Opposition postpones Kisii and Nyamira rallies over tension and logistics

Opposition leaders had to scratch their planned visits to Kisii and Nyamira counties after local politicians started making threats. Rigathi Gachagua and Kalonzo Musyoka were supposed to lead the anti-government team into these areas. The politicians wanted to hold rallies on former minister Fred Matiang'i's home ground. Kisii Governor Simba Arati warned Gachagua to stay away from his county. He told the former deputy president that outsiders cannot come and boss locals around.

Arati fired back at Gachagua during a public meeting on Tuesday. The governor said he heard about plans for a meeting called one-term and told Gachagua to take his message somewhere else. He demanded respect and said they must deal with each other as equals. The governor later tried to fix his harsh words after people criticized him. Arati claimed his comments were taken out of context and called Gachagua his friend.

The opposition team was planning to spend Tuesday and Wednesday campaigning in both counties. Event organizers said they needed more time to prepare for such a major gathering. One regional MP admitted there was tension but claimed they just wanted better planning. The politicians postponed rather than cancelled the whole event. The group moved their campaign to Western Kenya where they held successful rallies promoting their new partnership against President Ruto.