Opposition leaders have accused President William Ruto of using State-sponsored goons, State machinery, and his allies to disrupt their rallies and block them from addressing Kenyans.

In their Western tour, which attracted crowds at several stops, pockets of violence rocked their incursions after rowdy youths attacked their convoy while en route to Chwele, Bungoma.

On Friday the leaders — led by former Deputy President and DCP party leader Rigathi Gachagua, and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka — spoke at Kimilili market, Bungoma County, where they accused the President and his allies of using goons to attack them.

Gachagua also faulted National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula over the chaos that forced them to abandon a rally they had planned at Chwele.

“President Ruto is using his cronies to organise goons to prevent us from talking to our people. I want to tell Wetang’ula that he should know Ruto and his government is one-term, and the earlier he realises this, the better,” said Gachagua.

Gachagua said Ruto and his allies have sensed defeat, and have resorted to insults.

“I saw Ruto’s puppet, Kimani Ichung’wah, getting angry and bitter over my slogan, and he is wailing all over because they have realised we are uniting Kenyans against Ruto,” said Gachagua.

Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i termed the attack an act of dictatorship and a clampdown on democracy.

“Gone are the days when leaders use goons and youths to deny their fellow leaders the opportunity to address their people. Kenya is a democratic country, and we will not allow uncivilised acts by uncivilised leaders to claw back on democracy,” said Matiang’i.

Gachagua vowed to unite the Opposition leaders and Kenyans to ensure Ruto was removed from power in the 2027 General Election.

“I will do everything possible to ensure we are united, and I will unite Kenyans to send Ruto home. I want to tell Ruto that the Opposition will not be divided, and his attempts to scuttle the Opposition ahead of the 2027 polls will not succeed,” said Gachagua.

He dismissed President Ruto’s remarks that he is a tribal leader.

“I am the one who made Ruto the President by rallying my community behind him. Interestingly, he is calling me tribal. I want to ask him whether the rallies I am holding in Western are those of a tribal leader,” said Gachagua.