It was a day filled with pomp, colour, and high political drama at the home of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in Wamunyoro, Nyeri County. The much-anticipated visit by People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua drew national attention, both on the ground and across digital platforms. This visit was in fulfillment of a promise she made earlier this year, when Rigathi and his wife visited her in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, accompanied by a host of leaders.
From as early as 7am, enthusiastic crowds—mostly women adorned in vibrant traditional attire—began streaming into Wamunyoro. Singing, dancing, and ululation filled the air as they prepared to welcome their leaders. The guest of honour, Martha Karua, arrived first and was warmly received by women performing traditional songs along the route leading to the Gachagua residence.
She was soon joined by a powerful opposition delegation, including former Vice President and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, former Interior CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i, former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi, and many others. Together, these leaders painted a picture of an emerging coalition—united by a common goal: to oust the Kenya Kwanza administration.
A solemn church service opened the day’s programme, after which fiery political speeches dominated the event. Speaker after speaker rallied behind the slogan, “Ruto must go,” criticizing what they termed as oppressive and divisive leadership by the current regime. The arrival of Dr. Matiang’i—who has enjoyed massive homecoming support in Kisii and Nyamira—caused a frenzy, with the crowd briefly brought to a standstill in excitement.
Nyandarua Senator John Methu, serving as the event’s MC, found it challenging to manage the overwhelming number of elected leaders present. MCAs, MPs, Senators, and even Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga were all in attendance and voiced strong disapproval of President Ruto’s governance. They called for unity among opposition figures to save the country from what they described as a deteriorating state of affairs.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, breathing political fire, accused President Ruto of orchestrating attacks on former President Uhuru Kenyatta through junior politicians. He warned that if such attacks continued, the Mt. Kenya region would not hesitate to respond in kind during Ruto’s public engagements. His remarks were met with a standing ovation.
Gachagua then introduced leaders who pledged to take their grievances to the media, among them Mithika Linturi and Cleophas Malala—both vowing to expose alleged government corruption. Malala, in a surprising turn, also took a jab at Raila Odinga, accusing him of betrayal and warning the new opposition bloc against aligning with him.
Calls for unity and sacrifice echoed across the speeches. Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Fred Matiang’i, and Justin Muturi all expressed readiness to support a single presidential candidate from their coalition. When Martha Karua finally took the stage, she reiterated her commitment to national liberation and assured Kenyans of her willingness to put aside her presidential ambitions for the greater good.
“This journey won’t be easy, but it is necessary,” Karua declared. “We are building a movement, and the door remains open to all who wish to join us in liberating the country.”
As the event wrapped up, Wamunyoro’s roads were choked with traffic from the flood of delegates and supporters, a clear sign of the political momentum building around the new opposition force.
