The opposition was this week forced to make adjustments to its campaign schedule, cancelling the Kisii and Nyamira tours in what insiders linked to tension and possible disruptions.

The team led by DCP boss Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka were expected to lead top opposition bigwigs to Kisii and Nyamira counties, the home turf of former powerful minister Fred Matiang’i.

However, the plan was shelved at the 11th hour after tension started building earlier in the week, raising fears of potential confrontation and threats of disruption.

Kisii Governor Simba Arati appeared to have lifted the lid on the simmering tension when he warned Gachagua not to set foot in the county.

“We don’t want someone coming from outside and telling us that we must move in a certain direction,” Arati fired at Gachagua on Tuesday.

“I heard they were planning to hold a meeting here dubbed one-term. Let him take the message elsewhere.

“Hon Gachagua, I respect you, but you must give us respect in Kisii. We deal with you as an equal.”

Arati later appeared to swallow his words but when the damage was already done and the rally had been cancelled.

“I spoke, and people have taken my words out of context. I was with Gachagua in the 12th Parliament, and he is my friend. I want us to walk as one people, knowing where we are coming from and where we are headed,” Arati said the following day.

“He has done a difficult job to make Ruto to listen to people. Things have become hard for Ruto after Gachagua was impeached. There are things only Gachagua can talk about in this country. There are cowards, and Gachagua is not one of them. He should now come to our side. We don’t have candidates for President at the moment.”

The opposition team was to camp in Nyamira county and Kisii on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Organisers have, however, said they were not adequately prepared and requested more time before hosting such a major event.

“Yes, there could have been tension, which is normal, but we just requested for time to put everything in place before we have this big event,” an MP from the region told the Star in confidence.

According to our source, the event was not cancelled but postponed to allow for better logistical planning and grassroots coordination.

The two-day event was to mark a symbolic return to Matiang’i's political backyard, which was expected to draw significant crowds.

The joint opposition then took their anti-Ruto crusade to Western Kenya, where they staged whirlwind tours, popularising their newfound alliance.