The United Opposition coalition has commenced a high-profile political tour of Nakuru County with four major rallies scheduled today, Friday, as the grouping intensifies efforts to consolidate its support base and build momentum toward the 2027 general election.
The tour kicks off in Maai Mahiu before proceeding to Naivasha, Gilgil and culminating in a major evening rally in Nakuru town. Coalition leaders have described the exercise as a direct engagement with residents to listen to their concerns, outline the opposition’s vision for the country and demonstrate unity among the various parties that form the alliance.
Speaking ahead of the first rally in Maai Mahiu, a coalition spokesperson said the choice of Nakuru is deliberate. “Nakuru is a swing county that has always been hotly contested,” the spokesperson said. “We are here to speak directly to the people about the high cost of living, unemployment among the youth, the state of our roads, access to affordable healthcare and the need for genuine devolution that benefits ordinary citizens rather than political elites. This is not just a campaign tour—it is a listening and mobilisation exercise.”
The itinerary has been carefully planned to cover diverse constituencies and demographics within the county. Maai Mahiu, a key trading and transport hub along the Nairobi–Naivasha corridor, will host the morning rally focusing on transport costs, roadside businesses and the impact of the Standard Gauge Railway bypass. Naivasha follows with emphasis on flower farm workers’ rights, environmental concerns around Lake Naivasha and access to affordable water.
Gilgil, home to military barracks, a large prison facility and a growing urban population, is expected to see discussions on security, veterans’ welfare, youth unemployment and the state of public schools. The day ends with a flagship rally in Nakuru town, where coalition leaders plan to address a broad range of national and county issues, including the rising cost of unga, school fees, healthcare under SHA and the performance of devolved functions.
Coalition organisers have mobilised extensively in the weeks leading up to the tour. Boda boda operators, chama groups, market women, youth organisations, religious leaders and small-scale traders have been key in spreading word and transporting supporters to the venues. Orange ODM flags, United Opposition banners and placards bearing messages such as “Enough is Enough” and “2027 is Ours” have been visible across towns and trading centres in the county since early this week.
One coalition mobiliser in Gilgil said turnout is expected to be massive. “People are tired of promises that never materialise,” the mobiliser said. “They want leaders who feel their pain and speak plainly about fixing it. This tour is our way of showing we are listening and ready to lead differently.”
The United Opposition brings together several parties and independent political actors united by a common critique of the current administration’s economic policies and governance style. While ODM remains the largest bloc, the coalition includes elements from DAP-K, Narc-Kenya, Ford-Kenya, Wiper, smaller parties and a number of prominent independents who have expressed frustration with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition.
Leaders have been careful to frame the tour as policy-focused rather than purely confrontational. “We are not coming to Nakuru to divide or insult anyone,” a senior coalition figure said. “We are coming to offer an alternative vision—one that puts ordinary mwananchi first, fights corruption without fear or favour, and delivers measurable change in people’s lives.”
The tour also serves as a test of the coalition’s organisational strength and ability to mobilise large crowds in a county that has historically been politically competitive. Nakuru has swung between coalitions in past elections, making it a critical battleground for 2027. Analysts say a strong showing today will send a powerful signal about the opposition’s grassroots reach and unity.
Security has been heightened across the four venues following the recent pattern of police using teargas at some opposition gatherings. Coalition organisers have urged supporters to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies to ensure the rallies proceed smoothly.
As the day unfolds, all eyes will be on crowd sizes, message discipline and any incidents that could shape public perception of the United Opposition ahead of next year’s critical election year.
