Police vow to safeguard Linda Mwananchi Kisumu rally, warn goons as tensions rise
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured organisers of the upcoming Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu of full security, even as he warned against the rising trend of violent disruptions at political gatherings.
The assurances come amid heightened political activity ahead of the Kisumu rally, which is expected to draw key leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East Member or Parliament (MP) Babu Owino and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi.
Appearing before the Senate Standing Committee on National Security on Thursday, Kanja said the National Police Service (NPS) had put in place adequate measures to secure the Sunday, April 26 event, urging both organisers and political leaders to adhere to the law and uphold peace.
“The meeting in Kisumu will be fully secured. But I also request organisers to follow the law so that we all work together to maintain peace,” Kanja said, citing Article 37 of the constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble but also places responsibility on organisers to ensure order.
He warned that security agencies were actively pursuing individuals behind recent disruptions of political meetings, noting that investigations had already uncovered networks involved in orchestrating violence.
“The issue of goons is going to stop. We have investigated and established where they come from, who funds them, and their grassroots organisers. We are serious about ending this,” he stated.
Kanja also condemned the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, terming it unacceptable and assuring that all those involved would face justice.
“What happened to Senator Osotsi was not right. I want to assure Kenyans that everyone who committed an offence will have their day in court,” he said.
The leaders have been traversing the country mobilising support for governance reforms ahead of the 2027 General Election, while raising concerns over alleged use of hired gangs to disrupt their meetings.
Despite reported intimidation attempts, Owino insisted the rally would proceed as planned. “We will not bow to state intimidation. The Kisumu rally will go on,” he said.
Omondi echoed the defiance, warning against any interference. “We are not afraid. Kisumu remains a strong political base, and we will continue with our agenda,” he said.
Governor Orengo, in a recent radio interview, emphasised the rally’s focus on strengthening political unity and regional influence. “We want to consolidate our support base and chart our political direction,” he noted.
The rally comes against the backdrop of deepening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), with rival factions—Linda Mwananchi and Linda Ground—engaged in a supremacy contest in the region.
While most Kisumu MPs are aligned with the Linda Ground faction associated with ODM leader Oburu Oginga, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o has maintained a neutral stance.
The political tensions have been further heightened by the recent attack on Osotsi, a key figure in the Linda Mwananchi camp, which raised concerns over security at public gatherings.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has since called for calm, urging respect for constitutional rights while emphasising the need for organisers to follow laid-down procedures.
“Every Kenyan has the right to assemble freely anywhere in the country. At the same time, others must be allowed to go about their activities without disruption,” Omollo said.
Meanwhile, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed that several suspects linked to the Osotsi attack had fled the country, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations working with international agencies to track them down.
Three suspects have already been arraigned in court and denied charges related to robbery with violence.
