Opposition leaders on Tuesday escalated their criticism of the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing it of sponsoring violence to disrupt their public rallies and vowing to proceed with a nationwide campaign tour ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Speaking in Kisii, Fred Matiang’i, Rigathi Gachagua, Kalonzo Musyoka, and Eugene Wamalwa accused state operatives of facilitating violence aimed at intimidating opposition supporters.
The leaders also took aim at Simba Arati, accusing him of fanning unrest during recent opposition rallies in the Gusii region. They urged the governor to uphold peace and support what they termed a united opposition front.
“We cannot allow violence to define our politics,” Matiang’i said during a press briefing. “Leaders must behave and ensure that their supporters respect the law. We are not asking for favour from anyone — we are asking for order and adherence to the Constitution.”
The remarks followed violent confrontations in downtown Kisii on Monday, where sources indicated that some people suspected to be hired goons were killed during clashes as the opposition caravan visited the region.
In Keroka, two other individuals were reportedly killed after residents intercepted a Probox vehicle allegedly carrying machete-wielding attackers and set it ablaze.
The opposition leaders maintained that they have a constitutional right to hold meetings without interference and warned that sponsored disruptions risk plunging the country into instability.
“If we cannot guarantee peaceful engagement at the county level, then we are failing our people,” Matiang’i stated. “Our people deserve development, not chaos.”
Governor Arati is reportedly out of the country on a foreign trip.
Gachagua alleged that opposition rallies have repeatedly been targeted by hired groups operating with police protection. He claimed sections of the National Police Service were under pressure from senior officials to interfere with opposition gatherings.
“Police officers are being intimidated to work with criminals instead of stopping crime,” he said. “We are documenting all incidents of excesses. Those responsible will be held accountable.”
He urged police officers to adhere strictly to the Constitution and existing legal statutes, warning that unlawful actions could attract future prosecutions.
At the same time, he called on supporters to remain peaceful but firm in defending their right to assemble.
“It is their right to be in government. It is our right to be in the opposition,” Gachagua said. “But citizens are ready to take back their government if they feel it has failed them.”
Wamalwa announced that the opposition caravan would proceed to Nakuru, Nyandarua, Nyeri and other regions despite alleged attempts to block their events.
“This attempt to disrupt opposition rallies will not stop this movement,” Wamalwa said, calling on young people to back what he described as a peaceful push for change.
He also criticized president Ruto over what he termed unfulfilled development promises in the region, including stalled dam projects and an incomplete cancer treatment centre launched during the tenure of Uhuru Kenyatta.
“Four years down the line, nothing has been completed,” Wamalwa said. “People are asking what has changed.”
The opposition team concluded their Kisii tour with rallies in Tendere, Bomachoge Borabu and Masimba in Nyaribari Masaba.
Their remarks come amid heightened political activity and growing speculation over alliances ahead of the 2027 polls. While the government has previously dismissed similar accusations as politically motivated, Tuesday’s statements underscored deepening mistrust between rival political camps.
Despite the sharp rhetoric, opposition leaders insisted their movement remains committed to peaceful political engagement.
“We want politics of peace,” Wamalwa said. “But we will not be intimidated.”
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