Opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government have intensified their criticism of president William Ruto’s administration, accusing it of failing to honour its promises to Western Kenya while allowing what they described as state-sponsored intimidation to take root.
Speaking during a two-day tour of the region, the opposition principals led by DCP Party leader Rigathi Gachagua accused the government of sponsoring and financing goons to harass Kenyans, including in places of worship.
The leaders said the country must return to sobriety, respect for the rule of law and protection of civilians from politically instigated violence.
“We cannot normalize bringing goonism into the church. They put goons inside a church at the All Saint Cathedral where people were discussing the national budget and hurt important people like Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights,” Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka said.
Gachagua, who spoke at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Kibabii, Kanduyi, accused Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of failing to effectively manage the security docket. He alleged that police officers were now escorting goons, a situation he described as unprecedented and dangerous for the country.
“What we saw yesterday was embarrassing. Goons organized by Kipchumba Murkomen and John Mbadi attacking a people inside the All Saints Cathedral. Goons sponsored by government and escorted by police attacking the church of Christ. Even Moi never attacked the church,” said DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua.
He warned those involved in political violence that they would be held accountable, saying criminal acts have no expiry date. Gachagua said if the opposition forms the next government, those behind the alleged goonism would be taken to court.
“I want to put police officers on notice. We are now keeping records for all acts of excessive police action. Those commanders allowing goons to hurt Kenyans we are keeping a record of your name, your service number and what happened. Next year in October you will face the law,” added Gachagua.
Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i also condemned the alleged use of goons, warning that violence, especially in churches and public spaces, posed a serious threat to national cohesion.
The leaders also used the tour to accuse the Kenya Kwanza administration of abandoning Western Kenya after securing political support from the region. They claimed the government had failed to honour agreements made with local leaders and had not delivered meaningful development to the Mulembe Nation.
During a stop in Mumias East, Gachagua accused the administration of failing to revive key economic projects, including Mumias Sugar, despite repeated promises. He told residents that the region had little to show for its support for the current government.
He further claimed President Ruto was now attempting to lure Western leaders with promises of support in the 2032 elections, dismissing the assurances as political deception.
The opposition leaders sought to present themselves as a united alternative ahead of next year’s general election. Gachagua said the principals had agreed to field a single presidential candidate to face president Ruto, and challenged his colleagues to publicly commit to supporting whoever will be chosen as the opposition flag bearer.
Kalonzo, on his part, defended his public service record, saying he had maintained a clean record and would be part of an opposition team focused on fighting corruption and easing the burden on Kenyans.
Other leaders, including Wamalwa and DP Party leader Justin Muturi, called for unity among Western Kenya leaders, saying the region would only strengthen its bargaining power if it spoke with one voice.
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