Opposition leaders Kalonzo Musyoka and Justin Muturi have condemned an attack targeting opposition leaders in Garissa County, with Muturi describing the incident as an “attempted assassination”.
The leaders spoke after a series of political rallies and a consultative meeting in Garissa involving grassroots leaders, opinion shapers and aspirants from Garissa, Wajir and Mandera.
Kalonzo, who is spearheading the Komboa Kenya campaign, said residents had expressed dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing the government of failing to deliver meaningful benefits to communities in Northern Kenya.
“The people of Garissa were clear. They will no longer be auctioned to the Ruto regime while their communities get nothing in return,” Kalonzo said.
He said residents were demanding leaders who would engage with them and address challenges affecting their families, particularly unemployment and lack of opportunities for young people.
The Wiper leader also condemned the use of youth in political violence, warning that young people should not be turned into political goons.
“They have also said no to their youth being used as goons, risking their lives throwing stones at political leaders for the benefit of individuals whose own children are safely elsewhere,” he said.
Kalonzo said the political mobilisation in Northern Kenya was aimed at strengthening grassroots structures and building a united movement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
“The journey to Komboa Kenya continues,” he said.
Muturi demands investigation
Muturi, who is associated with the Wantam Movement, took a stronger position on the Garissa incident, calling it an attempted assassination and demanding an immediate police investigation.
“THIS IS AN ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION!!!” Muturi said in a statement.
He said the attack on opposition leaders was a grave matter that could deepen political divisions and create fear among Kenyans.
“The attack on opposition leaders in Garissa is a grave matter that must not be taken lightly. It amounts to an attempted assassination and risks balkanising the nation and creating fear among citizens,” he said.
Muturi called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to ensure the incident is thoroughly investigated and those responsible identified and prosecuted.
“We call upon the Inspector General of Police to immediately and thoroughly investigate this particular incident, identify all those involved, and ensure that every person found culpable is arrested and brought to justice,” he said.
The former Cabinet Secretary vowed that members of the Wantam Movement would not be intimidated by what he termed attempts to silence the opposition.
“We in the Wantam Movement will not be cowed, intimidated, or silenced,” Muturi said, maintaining that the opposition would continue pushing for democracy, justice and peaceful political participation.
The latest developments come as opposition formations intensify grassroots mobilisation across the country ahead of the 2027 elections, with leaders seeking to consolidate support and challenge President William Ruto’s administration.
Garissa and the wider Northern Kenya region are emerging as an important political battleground as opposition leaders seek to build alliances and strengthen their presence outside their traditional support bases.
The leaders’ remarks also come amid growing concerns over political violence and the involvement of young people in confrontations during political gatherings, with calls for security agencies to hold perpetrators accountable regardless of their political affiliations.
