Stepping off the plane in Kisumu on Thursday, Kalonzo Musyoka reached for the most powerful name in Nyanza politics: the late Raila Odinga.

"I am here to ensure that Baba's journey to Canaan is finished. We want to ensure that we redeem this country from bad governance," the Wiper leader said at Kisumu International Airport, as he launched a two-day Ukombozi Tour of South Nyanza.

Kalonzo was received by former Jubilee Secretary-General Raphael Tuju and travelled with a team that included former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa, Wiper chairman Jamleck Kamau and several MPs, the Star and the Eastleigh Voice reported.

The itinerary

The opposition team is targeting Migori and Homa Bay counties:

  • Thursday: Ntimaru in Kuria at noon, Kehancha at 2pm and the main rally at Posta Grounds, Migori town, at 4pm
  • Friday: a visit to the Tom Mboya Mausoleum at 9.30am, then Oyugis at 1pm and Kendu Bay at 4pm

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the trip is part of Kalonzo's countrywide campaign ahead of next year's election. "We must remain focused on the bigger picture: Komboa Kenya, end bad leadership and build a country anchored on accountability, economic opportunities and a 24-hour economy," he said.

Betting on the Raila connection

Nyanza has voted overwhelmingly for Raila and his Orange Democratic Movement in successive elections. Kalonzo was Raila's running mate in 2013 and 2017, and backed him again in 2022, a history he is now using to appeal to the region's voters.

The tour lands on delicate ground. ODM, now led by Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga, works with President William Ruto under the broad-based arrangement and is holding talks with UDA. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has urged Kalonzo to use the goodwill he built over more than 15 years alongside Raila to popularise the united opposition in the region.

The flagbearer question

The tour also comes amid open jostling inside the opposition over who should face Ruto in 2027. Wiper leaders have insisted Kalonzo should be the flagbearer, and Mwangangi welcomed the push for hopefuls to hit the ground instead of waiting to be handed the ticket.

How big the crowds are in Migori and Homa Bay, two of ODM's most loyal counties, will be an early test of whether Kalonzo's Raila card can still move Nyanza votes.

Photos: The Eastleigh Voice (X/Kalonzo Musyoka); The Star (X). Thumbnail design: HAMASTA MEDIA.