Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said the opposition's foremost priority is to safeguard the integrity of the 2027 General Election, insisting that every vote cast by Kenyans must count as the coalition intensifies its campaign to unseat President William Ruto's administration.
Addressing supporters at Makutano in Meru Town on Sunday, Gachagua said the opposition had been entrusted by Kenyans with the responsibility of ensuring that the August 10, 2027 General Election reflects the will of the people.
"The assignment from the people of Kenya to ensure their ballot counts on 10th August 2027 and get this regime out of power remains strong and great," Gachagua said.
"There can be no greater patriotic responsibility than a leader listening to the people and granting them their wish."
He thanked residents of Meru for what he described as their resilience and pledged that opposition leaders would continue engaging wananchi across the country.
"Our commitment is that strong and courageous. Thank you Makutano, Meru Town for your resilience. We shall be with you every step of the way," he said.
Gachagua's remarks echo a consistent message from opposition leaders, who have repeatedly argued that protecting the vote is as important as campaigning for it.
Edwin Sifuna has on several occasions urged Kenyans to register as voters and remain vigilant throughout the electoral process, saying the opposition's objective is not only to win the election but also to ensure that every valid vote is counted and accurately reflected in the final results.
Other opposition figures, including Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua and Fred Matiang'i, have similarly maintained that electoral reforms and the independence of institutions responsible for conducting elections will be central issues in the run-up to the 2027 polls.
The leaders have argued that strengthening the electoral system, safeguarding the independence of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and deploying trained polling agents across the country will be essential to guaranteeing a free, fair and credible election.
The opposition has also accused President William Ruto's administration of presiding over economic hardship marked by a high cost of living, increased taxation and unemployment. At rallies held under the Linda Mwananchi banner, opposition leaders have called for what they describe as a people-centered government that prioritizes economic recovery, accountability and constitutionalism.
The coalition has been holding a series of public meetings across the country, including recent rallies in Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Meru and other counties, to build support ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Meanwhile, President Ruto has continued to defend his administration's record, saying his government is implementing transformative development projects, expanding infrastructure, creating jobs and stabilizing the economy. The President has urged Kenyans to judge his leadership based on service delivery rather than political rhetoric.
Gachagua, who fell out with President Ruto after serving as his deputy, has become one of the administration's most vocal critics and has emerged as a key mobilizer within the opposition alliance. His recent tours of the Mt. Kenya region have focused on consolidating support while urging residents to remain united ahead of the next election.
With just over a year before Kenyans return to the ballot, both the government and the opposition have intensified grassroots campaigns. While the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition is banking on its development record, the opposition says its campaign will center on restoring public confidence in governance and ensuring that every vote cast on August 10, 2027, is protected and counted.
