Fred Matiang’i led a cross-party opposition rally through Kisii and Nyamira counties on Saturday, with leaders pledging a single presidential candidate and warning against election manipulation.
By James Murimi
Jubilee Party leader and presidential candidate Fred Matiang’i on Saturday led a united bloc of opposition leaders in reaffirming their commitment to field a single presidential candidate against President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election, declaring that no amount of money or political inducement would alter Kenyans’ determination to vote the current administration out of office.
Speaking during a wide-ranging political tour of Kisii and Nyamira counties that included rallies at Capital Roundabout and Keroka Market in Kisii County — following a church service at ACK St Philip’s Cathedral in Kisii town — Matiang’i trained his fire on the government’s development record, accusing Ruto of repeatedly launching and relaunching projects without completing them. He told residents they were being presented with foundation stones and commemorative plaques in place of actual, tangible results.
Matiang’i insisted that the people of Kisii and Nyamira counties remained firmly aligned with the opposition and would not be swayed by political handouts, arguing that voters across the region were resolute in their desire for change.
He was joined by a formidable opposition gathering that included People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader and Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua and Siaya Governor James Orengo. Together, the leaders pledged to continue consultations, set aside individual presidential ambitions and settle on one candidate capable of mounting a credible challenge to Ruto.
Nyoro was direct in his message: the President must leave office after the 2027 elections. He said the opposition was committed to delivering political change through a disciplined and united front, and that the groundwork being laid through these consultations was serious rather than ceremonial.
The leaders collectively criticised the government over rising insecurity, alleged misuse of public funds and what they described as a trail of unfulfilled development promises. They challenged Ruto to demonstrate measurable progress on projects rather than relying on public launch events as a substitute for delivery, and questioned the administration’s capacity to guarantee the basic safety of its citizens.
They also issued a sharp warning against what they described as alleged plans to manipulate the 2027 electoral process, calling on Kenyans to remain vigilant and to actively protect their votes. The leaders were emphatic that the outcome of the next election must reflect the genuine will of the electorate, and that any attempt to subvert that outcome would be resisted.
On the question of democratic freedoms, the opposition bloc defended the constitutional right of political leaders to address Kenyans and conduct political activities without intimidation, arguing that any restriction on legitimate political engagement would amount to an assault on the foundations of democracy itself.
The leaders also took pointed aim at what they characterised as Ruto’s use of disrespectful language towards his political opponents, singling out his treatment of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. They urged Ruto to respect the dignity of the presidency as an institution and to accord his predecessor the courtesy befitting a former Head of State. The respect Ruto would expect upon leaving office, they argued, should be the same respect he extends to Kenyatta today.
Matiang’i and his allies closed by reiterating that their consultations would continue in the weeks ahead, maintaining that a genuinely united opposition offered Kenya its clearest opportunity for democratic renewal and improved governance.
Others accompanying the delegation included former Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, Nyamira Senator Erick Okong’o Omogeni, Kitutu Chache South MP Anthony Kibagendi, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo and Bobasi MP Innocent Obiri.
