Wiper Patriotic Front party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has continued his political tour of the Nyanza region, using the two-day visit on November 5 and 6, 2026, to popularise his presidential ambitions ahead of the 2027 General Election. The former Vice-President began the tour on Thursday in Migori County before proceeding to Homa Bay County on Friday, accompanied by several opposition leaders.

The tour, which has been branded the Ukombozi Tour, is aimed at strengthening the opposition's political support in the Nyanza region, traditionally regarded as a stronghold of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Kalonzo's visit comes at a significant moment in Kenyan politics as opposition leaders continue consultations over how to unite their political formations and challenge President William Ruto in the next General Election.The first engagement was scheduled for Ntimaru at midday, followed by Kehancha at approximately 2:00 p.m. The delegation was then expected to conclude the day's activities with a major rally at Posta Grounds in Migori town at around 4:00 p.m.

The meetings provided an opportunity for Kalonzo and his allies to communicate their political agenda directly to residents and seek support for the emerging opposition movement.

The Wiper leader used the engagements to present himself as a national political leader capable of bringing different communities together and providing an alternative to the current administration.

However, the Migori leg of the tour was not without challenges. Reports indicated that a group of youths disrupted a rally through stone-throwing, while police used teargas during the confrontation.Despite the confrontation, he maintained that the Ukombozi movement would continue with its planned activities in the region.

Kalonzo invokes Raila Odinga's political legacy

One of the major messages during the Nyanza tour was Kalonzo's reference to his long-standing political relationship with the late Raila Odinga.

Kalonzo reminded residents that he had worked closely with Raila for approximately 15 years and supported his presidential campaigns in 2013, 2017 and 2022.

He argued that their political partnership had given him a deeper understanding of Raila's political vision and the aspirations he championed for Kenya.He also used the phrase Baba Mdogo when referring to his relationship with Raila's political legacy, seeking to establish a connection with supporters who had stood behind the former Prime Minister for many years.

The Wiper leader's strategy was to remind the electorate of his loyalty to Raila during successive election campaigns and position himself as someone who could maintain the political relationship between the communities that supported the former opposition chief.

Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa also appealed to Nyanza residents to recognise Kalonzo's loyalty to Raila, arguing that their political partnership deserved consideration as the country approaches the 2027 elections.According to the programme released by his team, the day began with a visit to the Tom Mboya Mausoleum on Rusinga Island, scheduled for 9:30 a.m. The delegation was also expected to address residents in Oyugis town at approximately 1:00 p.m. before proceeding to Kendu Bay at around 4:00 p.m.

The visit to the mausoleum was particularly significant because Tom Mboya remains one of Kenya's most respected independence-era leaders. Kalonzo's visit was intended to recognise his contribution to the country's political history and development.The programme was part of the wider effort to recognise historical leaders whose contributions helped shape Kenya's political and social development.

The engagements in Oyugis and Kendu Bay were designed to give Kalonzo another opportunity to interact with residents, popularise his political movement and discuss the country's leadership ahead of the 2027 elections.

Kalonzo dismisses claims that Nyanza supports Ruto's second term

During his Friday briefing in Homa Bay, Kalonzo dismissed suggestions that Nyanza residents were supporting President William Ruto's re-election.

He argued that the large crowds witnessed during the opposition's Thursday engagements demonstrated that residents were opposed to a second presidential term for the Head of State.According to Kalonzo, the one-term message being promoted by opposition supporters reflected dissatisfaction with the government's performance and concerns about governance.

He maintained that Kenyans wanted a country where the Constitution was respected, citizens enjoyed their constitutional freedoms and government institutions operated within the law.

He also raised concerns about corruption, the cost of living and alleged cases of abductions, arguing that the government needed to be held accountable for its actions.

Kalonzo insisted that the opposition's campaign was about restoring public confidence in leadership and ensuring that Kenyans enjoyed the rights guaranteed under the 2010 Constitution.

His remarks demonstrated that the Nyanza tour was not simply about seeking political support but also about presenting the opposition's criticism of the current administration. The Wiper leader called for a special inquiry into the incidents, saying there was a need to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and identify those responsible.

He claimed that the opposition had received additional information suggesting that the number of people killed was higher than earlier reports had indicated.

Kalonzo cited a figure of 61 deaths, saying he had received a detailed report from Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.

The figure was presented as Kalonzo's claim during the briefing and should not be treated as an independently verified death toll. He called for investigations to establish the facts.Kalonzo's Nyanza tour also provided an opportunity for opposition leaders to address the question of political unity ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The delegation included leaders from different political formations, demonstrating the opposition's efforts to build a wider political alliance.

Kalonzo maintained that discussions towards forming a united opposition were ongoing and that the leaders were working towards a common objective.

He acknowledged that opposition politicians could sometimes appear to disagree publicly but insisted that such differences did not mean they had abandoned their broader political ambitions.The Wiper leader spoke about the possibility of a super alliance that would bring together different political parties and leaders to challenge the Kenya Kwanza administration.

However, the opposition had not announced a final agreement on its presidential candidate or the structure of the proposed alliance.

The tour therefore served as an opportunity for Kalonzo to demonstrate his leadership ambitions while continuing to engage other opposition figures.

Former Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi were among the leaders accompanying him, while Raphael Tuju also participated in the delegation's engagements.

Their presence gave the tour a wider national political character rather than making it an event involving Wiper politicians alone. Political significance of the Nyanza tour

Kalonzo's decision to visit Migori and Homa Bay is politically significant because the two counties have traditionally been associated with Raila Odinga's political influence.

For many years, Raila commanded substantial political support in the region through ODM and his opposition movements.

Following his death, questions have emerged about the future political direction of the region and which leaders could attract the support previously associated with him.

Kalonzo believes that his long political association with Raila gives him an opportunity to engage Nyanza residents and appeal for their support.

His political strategy appears to involve presenting himself as a leader who can maintain the relationship between the opposition and communities that supported Raila.The two-day visit is part of the wider political preparations taking place across the country ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Political leaders are increasingly moving to different regions to popularise their parties, interact with voters and establish political networks.

For Kalonzo, the Nyanza tour provides an opportunity to strengthen his national profile and demonstrate that his presidential ambitions extend beyond his traditional Ukambani political base.

The Wiper leader has repeatedly indicated that he wants to contest the presidency rather than join President Ruto's administration.

His engagements in Migori and Homa Bay are therefore part of his effort to convince Kenyans that he can attract support from different communities and build a national political movement.