Opposition Reunites on the Trail, Plans Othaya Return Amid Push for Police Accountability

By Brian Kiprono - Reporter

Kenya, January 30 2026 - Kenya’s opposition leaders are stepping back onto the campaign trail together, signalling a renewed show of unity as they press for police accountability and political freedoms.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday confirmed that joint rallies would resume after a short break, with the team planning a return to Othaya — the scene of their last disrupted gathering.

“We have resumed our political activities. On Sunday, tunarudi pale Othaya na Gitugi,” Gachagua said, framing the move as both a political and symbolic return.

According to Gachagua, the renewed engagements are meant to rebuild contact with citizens while also keeping pressure on authorities over security concerns. He cautioned police against interfering with opposition events.

"We have told the police that if they do not intend to protect our gatherings, they should not join hands with goons,” he said.

The opposition leaders spoke after visiting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja at Jogoo House, where they formally presented complaints about the handling of recent incidents. Gachagua repeated his demand for action against specific officers he believes were involved in earlier disruptions.

“We have told the Inspector General that before we return on the 16th, those members of that unit must be arrested, disarmed, and taken to court, and he must give that assurance,” he said.

He warned that failure to act could trigger protests. “If nothing is done, we will have no choice but to organise mass action, including demonstrations, until Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, IG Kanja, and the two Deputy IGs are removed from office and the National Police Service is restored to order.”

Gachagua argued that their political outreach goes beyond rallies. "We cannot live in a nation of impunity in a country our forefathers founded,” he said, adding that, “The culture of goonism and impunity has no place in a civilised society.”

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The opposition delegation included Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K’s Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua of PLP, Justin Muturi, Cleophas Malala and several other leaders.

Malala had earlier written to the Inspector General to notify him of the visit, saying it was meant to raise “serious complaints” and discuss the safety of opposition figures and supporters.

“These incidents have been reported to various police stations and relevant commands; however, to date, no investigations, updates, or corrective actions have been communicated or undertaken by the National Police Service,” Malala said.

Kalonzo, on his part, described the rallies as both political and civic. “Injustice to any Kenyan, irrespective of their creed, belief, tribe, or colour, is a threat to our progressive Constitution of 2010,” he said.

With their return to Othaya now set, the opposition appears keen to show resilience while keeping the spotlight on security and constitutional rights as key campaign themes.