‘I Stood with Raila for 15 Years’: Kalonzo Courts Odinga’s Support Base

The Ukombozi Alliance has stepped up its opposition campaign in Busia County, with Wiper Patriotic Front leader Kalonzo Musyoka presenting the coalition as a political force capable of challenging President William Ruto in the 2027 elections.

At rallies in Bumala and Nambale, Kalonzo highlighted his long-standing political partnership with the late Raila Odinga and his support for Odinga during more than a decade of presidential contests. His team played an audio recording in which Odinga praised Musyoka's loyalty and leadership, with the former prime minister describing him as ten times stronger than President Ruto.

The rallies formed part of an effort by the alliance, which has rebranded from Azimio, to position itself as the main opposition to Ruto's administration. Kalonzo, joined by Democratic Action Party leader Eugene Wamalwa and Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, accused the government of worsening economic conditions and failing to address corruption.

Kalonzo also pledged to abolish unpopular measures, including the housing levy. He welcomed recent court decisions that blocked the partial sale of Safaricom shares, presenting the rulings as protection of public interests.

Wamalwa alleged that the government was seeking to register foreigners from neighbouring countries in an attempt to influence the 2027 election. Muturi, meanwhile, accused President Ruto of authorising violence against protesters. Both leaders called for opposition unity, warning that divisions could strengthen Ruto's chances of securing a second term.

Muturi used the example of buffaloes moving together to stress the importance of unity within the coalition. Musyoka also highlighted his cooperation with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, presenting their partnership as a combination of political experience and younger leadership.

Wamalwa invoked Odinga's political emphasis on equality and justice, saying the opposition would seek to restore the rule of law and protect ordinary Kenyans.

The Busia rallies also included calls for the release of Ugandan opposition figure Kizza Besigye, whom the leaders said was being detained in Kenya. The issue added a regional dimension to their criticism of the government, with the opposition accusing the administration of undermining national sovereignty and democratic freedoms.

The Ukombozi Alliance is now set to travel to Bondo in Siaya County, Odinga's home area. Kalonzo's visit to the former prime minister's political stronghold is intended to strengthen the alliance's support in a region that has historically backed Odinga by large margins.