Francis Atwoli Dismisses Opposition Efforts in Western Kenya as Gachagua Leads Political Onslaught

Veteran trade unionist Francis Atwoli has dismissed recent opposition efforts to sway voters in Western Kenya, branding them as insincere and ill-timed. Atwoli’s comments came as Deputy President-turned-opposition leader Rigathi Gachagua led a high-profile political tour across the region in a bid to rally support and present a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during a press engagement in Kisumu, Atwoli, who has remained a staunch supporter of President William Ruto, accused Gachagua and his allies of playing populist politics and underestimating the political consciousness of Western Kenyan voters.

“The people of Western are not emotional; they are patient and understand true development,” Atwoli said, implying that the opposition’s overtures were rooted in theatrics rather than genuine concern for the region.

The remarks come in the wake of a two-day opposition campaign across several counties including Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, Busia, and Trans-Nzoia, spearheaded by Gachagua and accompanied by prominent political figures such as Kalonzo Musyoka, Martha Karua, Fred Matiang’i, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi.

The team, which many view as laying the foundation for a strong 2027 presidential challenge, has branded their tour a “liberation cause,” aiming to highlight what they claim is the government’s neglect of Western Kenya.

One of the notable moments of the tour came when Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya joined the opposition caravan, calling on leaders from the region to unite and speak with one voice. “We must be together as leaders from Western and speak one language,” Natembeya urged during a stop in Kitale. The move was interpreted by political analysts as a signal that the region may be open to alternative leadership if their needs continue to go unmet.

However, Atwoli’s intervention may signal that all is not lost for the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration in the region. Atwoli has long held sway among voters in Western Kenya, particularly within the labor movement, and his influence could play a crucial role in tempering opposition gains.

The opposition team is expected to conclude their tour with rallies and community meetings in Kitale, while continuing to drive a message of economic empowerment, improved infrastructure, and government accountability.

Meanwhile, Ruto’s allies are closely monitoring the impact of the campaign, with insiders hinting at upcoming counter-rallies to reinforce the government’s commitment to development in the region.

With political temperatures rising, Western Kenya has emerged as a critical battleground in the race to 2027. Whether Gachagua and his opposition allies can truly dislodge Ruto’s influence—or whether Atwoli’s defense of the status quo will prevail—remains to be seen in the coming months.