Chaos as rival groups clash during United Opposition rally in Garissa

Rival groups clashed in Garissa on Saturday as a rally by United Opposition leaders descended into chaos, with youths pelting the leaders’ vehicles and supporters with stones.

The leaders were making their way into Garissa town when their entourage came under attack, triggering a confrontation between the two sides before the situation was brought under control.

Wiper Patriotic Front Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka condemned the incident, accusing Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale of being behind the disruption and alleging that the rally had been deliberately targeted.

"Tumeingia hatujaingia? Kumbe Duale ni muoga hivi anasema hatuwezi kuingia huku…hapa ni nyumbani vijana wawili huwezi kuzuia maji ya mto Tana kuenda ikulu, unaweza?" Kalonzo posed.

DP Party leader Justin Muturi also condemned the incident, saying his vehicle was damaged during the confrontation.

Wiper Deputy Party Leader Mohammed Ali also addressed the rally as opposition leaders called for calm amid the disruption.

The leaders further called on the government to prepare for the effects of the El Niño rains expected to affect parts of the country, particularly northern Kenya and the coastal region.

DAP-K Party leader Eugene Wamalwa said the government should put in place measures to manage the anticipated flooding.

"The government puts in place plans for disaster risk management na haswa mambo ya mafuriko yanakuja Tana River na kule Garissa na counties za North Eastern na Pwani,” said Wamalwa.

Meanwhile, People’s Party of Kenya (PPK) leader Ndindi Nyoro and Jubilee Deputy Party Leader Dr Fred Matiang’i have stepped up calls for opposition parties to unite behind a single candidate ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Speaking in Kangema, Murang’a County, the two leaders reiterated their push for a united opposition front to challenge President William Ruto in next year’s election.

Matiang’i urged opposition leaders to focus on building a united movement rather than attacking one another.

"Tukiwa katika hii safari we will do better tutumie nguvu zetu sote kuweka watu pamoja we should not have any discordant voices insulting each other criticising each other,” he said.

Nyoro said Kenyans wanted opposition leaders to work together and build a stronger political platform ahead of the 2027 polls.

"Naona Wakenya wanataka tushikane sisi wote tujenge msingi bora ya nchi bora ya uongozi na haswa tukiangalia Kenya past August of next year,” said Nyoro.

The latest push for opposition unity comes as parties continue to negotiate over a possible joint presidential ticket for the 2027 General Election.