As the heated by-election season in Kenya entered its final stretch, leaders within the newly formed United Opposition fanned out across the country, each taking charge of critical battlegrounds in a last-minute effort to consolidate support.
Although united under a common political agenda, the leaders opted to campaign separately in order to maximize ground coverage and energize supporters ahead of voting day.
According to information shared by key campaign operatives, former Interior Cabinet Secretary Dr. Fred Matiang’i focused his energy on Kisii County, a region where his political influence remains strong. Dr. Matiang’i pitched camp in Ekerenyo Ward, rallying residents to back the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) candidate.
His presence drew sizeable crowds, with local leaders praising his hands-on approach and urging residents to seize the opportunity to elect a leader aligned with the broader reform agenda being championed by the opposition coalition. Matiang’i emphasized the need for transparent leadership, improved public services, and the protection of devolution—key pillars of the united movement.
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In the coastal region, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka received a warm reception in Magarini, Kilifi County, where he campaigned for the Democratic Congress Party (DCP) candidate. Kalonzo, who has been a central figure in strengthening the coalition’s national appeal, attracted massive crowds that lined up to welcome him.
His message of unity, economic justice, and peaceful political participation resonated strongly with residents.
During his address, he urged voters to remain vigilant, reject intimidation, and elect leaders committed to uplifting marginalized communities. Observers described his Magarini tour as one of the most energetic and crowd-pulling events of the final campaign day.
Meanwhile, in Western Kenya, DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa teamed up with Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya to drum up support for Seth Panyako in Malava Constituency.
The two leaders traversed the area in a coordinated effort, highlighting Panyako’s leadership qualities and commitment to championing workers’ rights and equitable development.
Natembeya, known for his fiery grassroots mobilization abilities, energized supporters with calls for a transformative break from what he termed as “failed leadership and empty political promises.” Their joint presence signaled unity within the coalition’s Western bloc and reaffirmed Malava as a crucial front in the by-election.
The most dramatic scenes, however, unfolded in Narok Town, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua encountered hostility during his final push for the DCP party candidate.
Gachagua’s motorcade was disrupted by a group of goons who attempted to block his entry into the town. Moments later, teargas was reportedly lobbed in the area, heightening tension and scattering parts of the crowd.
Despite the chaos, Gachagua pressed on with his planned engagements, addressing residents and urging them not to bow to intimidation. He emphasized that the opposition movement remained steadfast in its mission to challenge what he called a culture of political suppression.
As the country awaits the outcome of the hotly contested by-elections, the final day of campaigns highlighted both the unity and strategic diversity of the United Opposition.
Each leader, operating independently yet under a shared banner, sought to strengthen the coalition’s national footprint—setting the stage for a decisive test at the ballot.
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