Kang’ata Joins Opposition Rally as Calls for Anti-Ruto Coalition Intensify

Calls for opposition unity ahead of the 2027 General Election dominated a major political gathering in Thika, Kiambu County, as leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement urged opposition parties to join forces and field a single candidate against President William Ruto.

The rally, held at Kivulini Grounds in Makongeni yesterday, brought together opposition leaders and supporters from across the Mt Kenya region, with speakers insisting that a united opposition would significantly improve its chances of defeating the Kenya Kwanza administration in the next election.

Addressing the gathering, opposition leaders argued that various political formations currently opposed to President Ruto share a common objective and should therefore work together rather than compete against one another.

“Tutazungumza na viongozi wote katika upinzani ambao wanaamini one term,” one of the leaders told the crowd, referring to the growing campaign aimed at limiting President Ruto to a single term in office.

The speakers maintained that individual opposition groups could each mount a strong challenge against the President on their own, but argued that a united front would produce a far more decisive outcome.

“Hawa ndugu zetu kina Rigathi Gachagua wakienda pekee yao watamshinda Ruto. Sisi Linda Mwananchi tukienda pekee yetu tutamshinda Ruto. Lakini wananchi wanatuambia hii kitu wanataka tumalize saa 12 asubuhi,” the leaders said, suggesting that voters want opposition forces to unite and secure victory more convincingly.

The rally repeatedly echoed with chants of “Ruto Must Go” and “One Term” as leaders sought to energize supporters in a region that overwhelmingly backed President Ruto during the 2022 General Election.

One opposition leader described the event as one of the largest political gatherings he had witnessed in Thika, comparing it to previous rallies addressed by some of Kenya’s most prominent political figures.

“This is the happiest day of my life. Nimekuja hapa na Matiba, nimekuja hapa na Raila, nimekuja hapa na Mwai Kibaki, lakini sijaona umati kama huu hapa Thika,” he told the cheering crowd.

The event also received support from Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who shared a platform with the opposition leaders despite being elected on a Kenya Kwanza-affiliated ticket. Kang’ata called for inclusivity and unity among Kenyans, while also highlighting challenges facing ordinary citizens.

The governor urged leaders to focus on issues affecting wananchi, including unemployment, rising living costs, and the struggle many families face in paying school fees and meeting basic needs.

The opposition leaders further appealed to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and other anti-Ruto politicians to join hands in building a formidable coalition capable of challenging the President in 2027.

Political observers view the growing calls for opposition unity as an indication that coalition-building efforts are gathering momentum across the country. Several opposition groups have recently intensified consultations aimed at identifying a common strategy and potentially a single presidential candidate.

The Thika meeting concluded with a procession to Githurai along Thika Road, where opposition leaders continued popularizing the “One Term” message while criticizing government policies and the rising cost of living.

With just over a year remaining before the next General Election, attention is increasingly turning to whether Kenya’s opposition can overcome internal rivalries and agree on a single candidate to challenge President Ruto.

For now, the message emerging from Thika was clear: opposition leaders believe unity will be key to their chances in 2027, and efforts to bring together different political formations are expected to intensify in the months ahead.