Kalonzo Musyoka, leader of the Wiper Patriotic Front, launched a political campaign in Busia County, positioning himself as the successor to Raila Odinga's legacy ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. The opposition alliance, formerly known as Azimio, emphasized its commitment to Odinga's vision while criticizing President William Ruto's governance. Musyoka, alongside Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party figure Justin Muturi, visited Bumala and Nambale on September 26, 2026, to rally support against Ruto's administration. The visit marked a strategic move to capitalize on Odinga's historical stronghold in the region, where the former Prime Minister once secured significant electoral backing.
During the rallies, Musyoka highlighted his 15-year association with Odinga, stating, 'The over 15 years I was behind Raila cannot be forgotten. Our victory was stolen, and we faced challenges in court, but I stood by him.' He urged locals to join efforts to 'send Ruto home,' framing the 2027 election as a pivotal moment to restore Odinga's ideals. The opposition also aired an audio clip of Odinga praising Musyoka as 'loyal, faithful, and loving,' further cementing his narrative as Odinga's ideological heir.
The alliance positioned Musyoka as a key figure in a potential partnership with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, whom they described as a 'tag team' capable of unseating Ruto. 'We shall work together with Sifuna to ensure we kick Ruto out of power and rescue our country,' Musyoka declared, drawing cheers from supporters. Wamalwa echoed this sentiment, asserting that the opposition would continue Odinga's legacy, stating, 'We lost Baba, but we haven't lost his vision.'
The opposition also accused Ruto's government of exacerbating economic hardship, citing high living costs and alleged mismanagement of public funds. Musyoka criticized the president for prioritizing 'programs that siphon funds for his cronies,' while praising the courts for blocking the partial sale of Safaricom's 15% stake to Vodacom. He pledged that the opposition would abolish the housing levy post-election to ease financial burdens on Kenyans. 'Ruto has benefitted from the 2010 Constitution he never supported and still mutilates through abduction and killing of the youth who criticize him,' Musyoka alleged.
Wamalwa and Muturi emphasized the need for unity among opposition factions, warning against Ruto's alleged efforts to divide them. 'Buffalos are strong because they move together,' Muturi said, adding that the opposition would 'not allow Ruto to win in 2027.' The alliance also accused the government of plotting to register foreign voters from neighboring countries, a claim Wamalwa called a 'violation of Kenya's sovereignty.' Muturi further alleged that Ruto's administration had ordered the use of lethal force against protesters, stating, 'Their plan to use dead people to vote will not work.'
The opposition's tour included a stop in Siaya County on September 27, with plans to hold rallies in Bondo the following day. The events underscored the growing tension in Kenya's political landscape as the 2027 race intensifies. Musyoka's campaign in Busia, a region once Odinga's political base, signals a broader strategy to consolidate support against Ruto's administration. The alliance's messaging centered on accountability, economic reform, and the restoration of Odinga's political principles.
The Ukombozi Alliance, formed from the remnants of Azimio, faces internal challenges, including a dispute over the party's name with Sifuna's faction. Despite these tensions, the alliance remains focused on presenting a united front against Ruto. The opposition's rhetoric highlights concerns over electoral integrity, governance, and the preservation of constitutional values. As the 2027 election approaches, the alliance's ability to maintain cohesion will be critical to its viability as a political force.
The campaign in Busia also drew attention to broader national issues, including the controversial Lamu oil refinery project. While not directly addressed in the rallies, the opposition's criticism of Ruto's policies aligns with broader skepticism about the government's economic strategies. The alliance's emphasis on 'rule of law' and 'equal rights' reflects its appeal to voters disillusioned with the current administration.
Musyoka's visit to Busia, a county that once provided Odinga with some of his strongest support, underscores the strategic importance of Western Kenya in the 2027 race. The opposition's focus on this region highlights its intent to challenge Ruto's dominance in areas where his support is weaker. The rallies also served as a platform to mobilize grassroots networks, a key factor in Kenya's competitive political environment.
As the 2027 presidential campaign gains momentum, the Ukombozi Alliance's efforts in Busia and other regions will be closely watched. The opposition's ability to translate political rhetoric into tangible support will determine its impact on the national stage. For now, the alliance's message of unity, accountability, and Odinga's legacy remains central to its strategy.
The opposition's activities in Busia and beyond reflect a broader effort to reshape Kenya's political future. By leveraging Odinga's legacy and addressing economic grievances, the alliance seeks to position itself as a viable alternative to Ruto's administration. The coming months will test the strength of this coalition and its capacity to challenge the status quo in Kenyan politics.