Gachagua and Kalonzo Lead Opposition Strategy Talks in Tseikuru, Kitui County

Key opposition figures convened at Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka's residence in Tseikuru, Kitui County, on May 29, 2025, for a high-stakes strategy session. 

The gathering follows a similar consultative forum hosted by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua at his Wamunyoro residence in Nyeri just a month prior, highlighting the ongoing political realignments as leaders strategically position themselves for the upcoming elections. Gachagua, accompanied by his wife, Dorcas Rigathi, arrived at Tseikuru via helicopter around 11 a.m., leading a delegation of allies from the Mt. Kenya region. His presence at the meeting is widely interpreted as an attempt to broaden his political influence beyond his traditional stronghold.

Among the prominent figures participating in the closed-door discussions are People's Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua, Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) boss Eugene Wamalwa, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi, and former Cabinet Minister Mukhisa Kituyi. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka represented former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i, who is currently abroad. 

Discussions centred on strategies to strengthen the opposition and identify a consensus presidential candidate to challenge Ruto in the upcoming elections.

Kalonzo Musyoka has mobilised considerable local support, including grassroots leaders from Kitui County, aiming to showcase his regional backing and bolster his chances of securing the opposition's presidential ticket. This effort to solidify his political base comes amid growing pressure on opposition leaders to consolidate their support and forge a formidable coalition capable of unseating the current administration.

The Tseikuru meeting's timing is particularly noteworthy, occurring just a week after President Ruto hosted over 1,600 Ukambani leaders at State House to discuss development projects for the region. The President's outreach to Ukambani leaders is widely viewed as an attempt to undermine Kalonzo's grip on his traditional stronghold. In response, Kalonzo has sought to reaffirm his influence in the region, refuting claims of collaboration with the Kenya Kwanza administration.

Speaking to the media on May 23, 2025, Kalonzo firmly rejected suggestions of engaging in discussions with Ruto regarding a potential role in government. "President Ruto should specify where exactly we met. Some State House bloggers are claiming I met him there, but that's false. This government must go. How could I possibly be aligned with such an administration?" he stated unequivocally.

The opposition's internal negotiations are further complicated by Gachagua's challenge to Kalonzo, urging him to deliver at least four million Ukambani votes to the opposition as a condition for securing Mt. Kenya's backing. Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has described the Tseikuru meeting as a pivotal moment in the opposition's efforts to unseat Ruto. 

"This is a major consultative meeting and a gesture of goodwill as we embark on an aggressive push to lock Kenya Kwanza out of the Ukambani region," Mwangangi said. "Going forward, Ukambani will make it unequivocally clear that the train has left the station. Our region will not be left behind in forming the next government led by opposition principals."