To add what President Ruto's side has said, a balanced Nation-style article would include the government's response and its defence of economic policies.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has claimed that his political movement is gaining ground in Western Kenya, citing what he described as a strong declaration of support from residents of Naitiri in Tongaren Constituency, Bungoma County.
Speaking during a political engagement in the region, Mr Gachagua said he and his allies in the United Alternative Government had established a firm foothold in Western Kenya as they seek to build a national coalition ahead of the 2027 General Election.
"With my cousins and brothers in the United Alternative Government, we make a strong foot in Western Kenya. The Naitiri, Tongaren, Bungoma County Declaration is strong and firm," he said.
The former deputy president said the opposition coalition was focused on restoring what he termed the country's lost moral and economic standing, arguing that Kenya had drifted from the ideals that inspired the struggle for independence.
"We revisit the strength of our nationhood and the power of the people to get our nation on the right path. At independence, we were better morally and economically. Over 60 years later, we are on a nosedive," he said.
Mr Gachagua's remarks come amid an escalating political fallout with President William Ruto, whom he has repeatedly accused of mismanaging the economy and failing to address the concerns of ordinary Kenyans.
President Ruto and his allies have dismissed such claims, insisting that the administration inherited a struggling economy burdened by debt, pending bills and high subsidy costs. They argue that the government's economic reforms, though painful in the short term, are beginning to yield results.
Government officials have pointed to a stronger shilling, declining inflation, increased agricultural production and improved foreign exchange reserves as evidence that the economy is stabilising. The administration has also defended measures such as tax reforms and subsidy rationalisation, saying they are necessary to place the country on a sustainable fiscal path.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah and other Kenya Kwanza leaders have accused opposition figures of engaging in premature campaign politics instead of supporting ongoing development programmes. They maintain that major infrastructure projects, affordable housing, universal health coverage reforms and investments in agriculture will create jobs and improve livelihoods.
At the same time, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has urged leaders to focus on development rather than political confrontation, arguing that the government remains committed to fulfilling its campaign promises.
Addressing supporters in Naitiri, Mr Gachagua maintained that the opposition would continue expanding its presence across the country and thanked residents for backing the movement.
"Thank you Naitiri, we shall be with you every step of the way," he said.
The meeting is the latest in a series of rallies and consultations by opposition leaders seeking to consolidate support in regions traditionally considered key battlegrounds in national politics. With more than a year of heightened political activity already evident, both the government and its critics appear to be positioning themselves for a fiercely contested 2027 election.
