Opposition Leaders Gachagua, Kalonzo, Malala, and Linturi Rally in Mombasa, Vow to End Ruto’s Rule in 2027

Opposition heavyweights, led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka, held a charged rally in Changamwe, Mombasa, on Saturday as part of their whistle-stop tour across Makueni and Mombasa counties. Joined by Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) deputy leader Cleophas Malala and former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, the leaders delivered scathing criticism of President William Ruto’s administration, vowing to unseat him in the 2027 General Election under their “One Term Movement” slogan.

Image: Opposition rally in Mombasa county Saturday 7th, June 2025.

The rally, attended by thousands, was a show of unity for the United Opposition coalition, which includes prominent figures. The leaders accused the Kenya Kwanza government of failing Kenyans through corruption, mismanagement, and broken promises. They also criticized the alliance between President Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga, labeling it a tribal-based tactic to stabilize Ruto’s administration after the Gen Z protests.

Image: DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua addressing Mombasa residents in a coast region tour.

Former Deputy President Gachagua, addressing the crowd with local flair as “macousins” and “macuzo,” accused Ruto of betraying the hustlers and mama mbogas who voted for him in 2022. “The President misused me while Raila misused Kalonzo, and they both dumped us at the end. Now, we have decided to work together to provide alternative leadership for Kenyans,” Gachagua declared. He criticized Ruto’s policies, particularly the heavy taxation burdening Kenyans’ payslips, and promised that the opposition would abolish the Housing Levy and refund contributions if they win in 2027. Gachagua also alleged that Ruto had orchestrated a scheme to marginalize the Mt. Kenya region, claiming the President bribed MPs and senators to consolidate power. “Ruto bought our MPs with Sh500,000 and senators with Sh10 million, but their plans to isolate our community are destroyed,” he asserted.

Image: Wiper Democratic Movement leader, Kalonzo Musyoka in Mombasa 7th, June 2025.

Kalonzo Musyoka, who recently rebranded his Wiper Party to the Wiper Patriotic Front (WPF) in honor of Gen Z, accused the government of perpetrating extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, and land grabbing. He singled out education and health programs, stating, “The Kenya Kwanza administration has messed up education, forcing parents to bear the brunt of paying more for their children’s education.” Kalonzo also warned against attempts to strip former President Uhuru Kenyatta of his constitutional rights, challenging Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet: “If you want to deny Uhuru his rights, bring it on. Let them arrest him if they are brave enough.” He dismissed Ruto’s rhetoric of unity as hollow, accusing the administration of fostering division.

Cleophas Malala, DCP’s deputy leader and former Kakamega senator, urged coastal residents to join the opposition’s mission to “redeem Kenya.” Speaking at the Changamwe rally, Malala emphasized the need for unity across regions to counter Ruto’s influence. “Kenya is governed by the rule of law, and we will not allow this administration to divide us. The Coast, together with other regions, will be part of the next government,” he said, echoing Gachagua’s call for inclusive leadership. Malala also criticized the government’s handling of recent protests, referencing the disruption of a DCP rally in Kakamega on May 24, where police clashed with supporters. “Such acts of repression have no place in a democratic society,” he added.

Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, now DCP’s interim National Organising Secretary, accused the Ruto administration of mismanaging public resources and stalling critical projects like water and road infrastructure. “This government has failed to live up to the expectations of Kenyans. Land grabbing is rampant, and key sectors like agriculture are in disarray,” Linturi told the crowd. He referenced his own tenure, defending his record while alleging that the administration’s failures, including the controversial fake fertilizer scandal, were part of a broader pattern of corruption. Linturi rallied the crowd to support the opposition’s vision of recovering stolen public assets and delivering justice for coastal communities facing historical land injustices.

The Mombasa rally followed a series of opposition engagements, including a high-profile meeting at Kalonzo’s Tseikuru home on May 29 and a strategy session in Nairobi on April 29, where leaders like Fred Matiang’i and Martha Karua joined Gachagua and Kalonzo to plan a unified front for 2027. The coalition aims to consolidate votes across regions, with Gachagua emphasizing that the opposition will back a single presidential candidate, even if it’s not him. The leaders also vowed to field a new coalition-backed candidate for the Mombasa gubernatorial race, challenging ODM’s dominance and criticizing Governor Abdulswamad Nassir’s alignment with Ruto.

The rally drew large crowds, with supporters chanting anti-Ruto slogans and expressing frustration over economic hardships. The opposition’s focus on Gen Z and youth empowerment resonated with attendees, who see the coalition as a potential force to challenge the Ruto-Odinga alliance. However, tensions within the opposition were noted, with Mavoko MP Patrick Makau recently accusing Gachagua of disrespecting Kalonzo and meddling in Wiper party affairs, highlighting potential cracks in the coalition.

The United Opposition’s tour, which began in Makueni on June 6 and continued in Mombasa on June 7, underscores their aggressive push to build momentum ahead of DCP’s official launch later this month. As the 2027 election approaches, the coalition’s ability to maintain unity and counter the Ruto administration’s influence will be critical to their success.