Gachagua, Kalonzo vow to oust Ruto, uplift economy

Opposition leaders Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka kicked off their “meet the people” tour in Ukambani on Friday with fiery criticism of President William Ruto’s administration.

The two leaders promised to turn around the country’s economic fortunes.

Speaking at a roadside rally in Kilome Constituency, the leaders, accompanied by a high-powered delegation of senators, MPs, MCAs, and former officials, pledged to champion the rights of Kenyan workers.

Gachagua, who now leads the newly formed Democracy for Citizens Party, declared that the campaign to unseat President William Ruto had officially begun.

“We are here in Makueni County to announce that the journey to send President William Ruto home has begun,” said Gachagua.

“We will form a government that will restore the dignity of workers’ earnings.”

The opposition entourage included Senators Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Dan Maanzo (Makueni), and James Murango (Kirinyaga), as well as MPs Robert Mbui (Kathiani), Geoffrey Wandeto (Tetu), Wanjiku Muhia (Kipipiri), Njeri Maina (Kirinyaga Woman Rep), former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, and a host of county MCAs.

Kalonzo Musyoka, Wiper Party leader and longtime Ukambani political kingpin, used the occasion to announce an upcoming rebrand of his party.

“Wiper is not just a Ukambani party. We will rename it Wiper Patriotic Front soon after Gachagua officially launches his Democracy for Citizens Party,” Kalonzo told the cheering crowd.

He said the party is targeting a membership of three to four million and reiterated his commitment to honouring the youth who lost their lives during last year’s Gen Z-led protests against the government.

“June will be our liberation month, in memory of the Gen Zs who died fighting for their rights. This government does not care about them,” he said.

Kalonzo also took aim at an economic empowerment initiative recently launched by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.

“They come around saying it's a women's empowerment programme and dish out millions. Where are they getting that money? Take the money if they offer, but vote them out,” he urged the residents.

The opposition leaders are scheduled to continue their Ukambani tour with stops in Malili, Sultan Hamud, Emali, Makindu Town, Kibwezi, and Machakos.

On Saturday, June 7, the team will head to the Coast with planned rallies in Voi Town, Maungu/Taru, Mazeras, Mariakani, and Kisauni, as part of a broader campaign to build national momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections