Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said opposition leaders under the United Alternative Government will rally behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election.
Speaking as the opposition coalition kicked off its "Meet the People" tour of the Western region, Mr Gachagua said the alliance was focused on building a united front and offering what he described as a credible alternative to the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The former Deputy President said the tour would provide an opportunity for opposition leaders to engage residents directly, listen to their concerns and develop policies aimed at addressing the region's economic challenges.
"As the United Alternative Government, we have embarked on our Western Region 'Meet the People' tour aimed at engaging and interacting with the residents of this vital area," he said.
Mr Gachagua accused successive political leaders of making promises to Western Kenya during election campaigns only to abandon the region after securing votes.
He claimed many residents continued to face poverty and economic hardship despite repeated pledges of development.
"The people of Kenya, especially our cousins in Western, have been misled by false promises in exchange for votes, only to be left to suffer in poverty," he said.
The opposition leader said the coalition was committed to presenting an honest assessment of the country's challenges while crafting a comprehensive development agenda for the region.
According to Mr Gachagua, the alliance intends to focus on economic empowerment, infrastructure development, agriculture and job creation as part of its strategy to uplift the region.
He further reiterated the coalition's commitment to fielding a single presidential candidate in the next election, arguing that opposition unity would be key to defeating President Ruto.
"We also vow to unite behind a single presidential candidate to stand up to the current regime's leadership," he said.
The Western Kenya tour comes amid heightened political activity as opposition leaders intensify grassroots mobilisation efforts across the country.
The region is expected to play a crucial role in the 2027 presidential contest due to its large voting population and influence on national politics.
Mr Gachagua expressed confidence that the opposition coalition would build sufficient support to form the next government, promising what he termed a new era of leadership founded on integrity, development and service to wananchi.
The tour is expected to take the opposition leaders across several counties in Western Kenya, where they will hold public engagements and consultative meetings with local leaders and residents.
