Kalonzo claims Western Kenya has rejected Ruto as opposition ends tour
By Mustafa Juma, June 15, 2026Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has declared that residents of Western Kenya have overwhelmingly rejected President William Ruto and his administration, following the conclusion of the opposition’s multi-county Komboa Kenya Karavan tour across the region.
In a statement issued after the tour ended on Sunday, June 14, 2026, Kalonzo said the opposition’s United Alternative Government coalition had received a strong mandate from wananchi, claiming that frustrations over economic hardship, governance concerns, and unfulfilled promises had become impossible for the government to ignore.
“As the Komboa Kenya Karavan concludes its Western Kenya tour, we leave with a mandate that could not be clearer. The call for change has been overwhelming, loud, and impossible to ignore,” Kalonzo said.
Opposition cites frustration with government
According to Kalonzo, the large crowds witnessed during the tour reflected growing public dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
“What we witnessed across this region was not just enthusiasm. It was frustration born of failed leadership, broken promises, and a regime that has turned its back on its own people,” he stated.
The Komboa Kenya Karavan brought together several opposition figures, including former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, among other leaders.
The leaders traversed several counties in Western Kenya, holding rallies and public engagements aimed at mobilising support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Kalonzo raises concerns over governance
In his statement, Kalonzo criticised what he described as a culture of impunity and lawlessness, citing recent incidents that have sparked public debate.
“When a nation begins to normalise goonism — when goons can be sent into a church in the capital city in broad daylight — when schools lack capitation — when public resources are looted without consequence — then something is deeply, fundamentally wrong,” he said.
The opposition leader argued that such issues have contributed to growing public anger and demands for political change.
Fresh attack over proposed Ebola facility
Kalonzo also renewed opposition criticism of the proposed Ebola research and containment facility planned for Laikipia County, a project that has become a major talking point among government critics.
“And as if all of that were not enough, someone casually wakes up and decides to set up an Ebola facility in Kenya,” he remarked.
The project has attracted scrutiny from some opposition leaders, who have demanded greater transparency regarding its implementation, financing, and management.
As the tour came to an end, Kalonzo claimed that a common message had emerged from residents across the region.
“From Kitale to Chwele, across every stop, every crowd, every voice in this great Western region, the message has been firm and consistent: Jibu tu ni lile lile. WANTAM,” he said.
The “Wantam” slogan has increasingly become a rallying cry among sections of the opposition advocating for political change in the next election cycle.
Kalonzo’s remarks come amid growing competition for influence in Western Kenya, a region that is expected to play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the 2027 presidential race.
The opposition’s tour coincided with renewed mobilisation efforts by both government and opposition leaders seeking to consolidate support in the vote-rich region.