Kalonzo Rallies Western Kenya Behind Opposition Agenda, Attacks Government Budget
Politics Updated: 12 June 2026 18:58 EAT
Wiper Patriotic Front Leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka during the Western Region Komboa Kenya campaign rally
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka on Friday intensified opposition campaigns in Western Kenya, using a political rally in Luanda to rally support for what opposition leaders describe as a united alternative government ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Opening his address with mobilisation chants and appeals to supporters, Kalonzo framed the gathering as part of a broader effort to build political momentum in the region and called on residents to support what he termed the liberation of the country through democratic change.
“We have come back to Luanda because the journey of liberating Kenya continues. The people must decide whether they are satisfied with the current direction of the country or whether they want a different path. We believe wananchi are ready to stand together and shape another future.”
Kalonzo devoted a large part of his speech to criticism of the 2026/27 national budget, arguing that the latest budget process departed from historical practice and failed to address the challenges facing ordinary Kenyans.
“For the first time since independence, we are seeing a budget process that in our view does not reflect the expectations of ordinary citizens. Governments must place people first. Budgets should answer the questions of food prices, medicines, education and jobs.”
The opposition leader also linked economic concerns to rising public debt and questioned government borrowing plans, saying future administrations should reduce expenditure and redirect spending priorities.
“We presented what we called the people’s budget because we believe there must be another way of managing public resources. Instead of increasing debt burdens for future generations, we must prioritise expenditure and invest where citizens feel the direct impact.”
Kalonzo criticised the Affordable Housing programme and accused the government of maintaining policies that increase financial pressure on households, while promising that an opposition administration would review spending commitments.
“We cannot continue creating systems where citizens carry more and more pressure while government borrowing expands. Public money must be accounted for properly and every allocation must deliver visible value to wananchi.”
The Wiper leader further used the rally to promote opposition unity, saying the coalition intends to remain together and offer itself as a national alternative capable of competing for power in 2027.
“If the opposition remains united, the country will have a serious conversation about leadership and governance. Unity is becoming our greatest strength and we believe citizens are beginning to see that possibility.”
Western Kenya featured prominently in his remarks, with Kalonzo urging leaders and communities in the region to remain politically cohesive and avoid internal divisions that could weaken their influence nationally.
“We have come here to encourage unity among the people of Mulembe. When communities remain united they strengthen their voice nationally and become part of determining the direction of the country.”
He praised opposition allies for maintaining their political positions and called for broader cooperation among leaders from different regions under what he described as a constitutional and reform-driven agenda.
“Those who remain committed to constitutional leadership and accountability deserve recognition. Kenya belongs to everyone and every region must feel represented in national decisions.”
Kalonzo also referred to legal battles involving public projects and argued that courts remain an important institution for checking government decisions and protecting public interest.
“When decisions affecting national assets are made, citizens have a constitutional right to question them. Institutions exist to protect public interest and ensure transparency.”
The opposition leader challenged supporters to remain politically active and maintain pressure through constitutional means, while insisting change would only come through sustained civic participation.
“The future of Kenya will be decided by citizens who remain engaged and committed to democratic values. People should not lose hope or retreat from participating in national conversations.”
He concluded by declaring that the opposition was preparing itself to seek leadership and restore what he called constitutional order and responsible governance.
“We are preparing ourselves to take leadership through democratic means and return the country to constitutional values, accountability and a government that listens to wananchi.”
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