President William Ruto’s quest for a second term in 2027 is increasingly facing turbulence, judging by the reception opposition leaders are receiving across the country.
The latest political tremors were felt in Kisii County, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined forces with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i at a packed rally in Gusii Stadium.
Gachagua, who was impeached in October 2024, has since regrouped and is steadily positioning himself at the centre of a re-energised opposition movement. He has brought together key political heavyweights, among them former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, and other influential figures determined to challenge the current administration.
With the 2027 presidential contest already shaping political calculations across the country, Gachagua appears keen to extend his reach beyond the Mt. Kenya region. Often described by both critics and supporters as a fierce political operator, he has stepped out of his Mt. Kenya backyard and is now making visible inroads in regions that were previously considered outside his sphere of influence.
On Monday, Gachagua toured Kisii County at the invitation of Matiang’i, who was being formally endorsed as the Kisii community spokesman and the region’s political kingpin. The visit began in Bomet County before the delegation proceeded to Kisii, where large crowds lined up along the roads to catch a glimpse of the leaders.
The motorcade from Wamunyoro wound its way through several towns in Kisii amid cheers from residents before finally making its way to Gusii Stadium, where the main rally was held. Inside the stadium, thousands had already gathered, filling the terraces in anticipation of the leaders’ arrival.
The atmosphere was electric as supporters waved, chanted, and expressed optimism about what they termed a new political direction. For many observers, the turnout was significant and symbolic, especially considering the region’s evolving political dynamics.
Political pundits now argue that the show of unity and the massive crowd in Kisii could be a source of concern for State House. The images emerging from Gusii Stadium suggest that Gachagua’s influence may be stretching beyond Mt. Kenya, potentially reshaping the 2027 political landscape.
Here are the images
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