Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka is taking his 2027 presidential bid to Migori and Homa Bay counties, The Star reported. The two-day trip targets voters in long-time ODM strongholds. His party calls it the Ukombozi Tour.
The Migori leg starts at noon on Thursday at Ntimaru in Kuria. Kalonzo then moves to Kehancha at 2 pm. The day's main rally is at Posta Grounds in Migori town at 4 pm. On Friday he will visit the Tom Mboya Mausoleum at 9.30 am. He will then hold meetings in Oyugis town at 1 pm and Kendu Bay at 4 pm.
"Migori and Homa Bay, are you ready? The Ukombozi Tour is coming! Let's meet on the ground," Kalonzo posted ahead of the trip. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the tour is part of Kalonzo's countrywide activities before next year's polls. He said Kalonzo would keep championing constitutionalism, the rule of law and the quest for votes.
Mwangangi said the opposition must focus on ending bad leadership. He called for a country anchored on accountability, economic opportunities and a 24-hour economy. He also backed remarks by former Deputy President and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua had urged opposition leaders to go out and persuade Kenyans to vote for a united opposition. Mwangangi said mobilising the people must be the priority.
The tour comes as the opposition struggles to agree on how to pick a presidential flagbearer, The Star reported. Calls are growing for hopefuls to hit the ground and sell themselves instead of waiting to be handed the ticket. Kalonzo has declared he will challenge President William Ruto. He has urged other opposition leaders to campaign and show national appeal.
The visit also puts the spotlight on Kalonzo's long partnership with Raila Odinga. He was Raila's running mate in the 2013 and 2017 elections, which they lost to retired President Uhuru Kenyatta. He also backed the late ODM leader in the last election, which they lost to Ruto.
According to The Star, Kalonzo is expected to use that history to win over a region whose political leaders have voiced support for Ruto's re-election.