KAKAMEGA, Kenya — Security operations in Kakamega County have been stepped up ahead of a high-stakes political rally scheduled for Saturday, by a faction of the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi campaign.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has described the rally as a tsunami, saying “it is unstoppable.”
“This thing is huge; it’s a Tsunami and unstoppable, no force on earth is going to stand in our way, so rest assured that this meeting is going to take place,” Orengo said.
The rally, expected to draw large crowds at Amalemba Grounds, comes amid rising tensions between political factions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
The Sifuna group says they want to fight against a hostile takeover of the party by President William Ruto.
The Party is against endorsing Ruto for the 2027 re-election bid, and wants ODM to file its own presidential candidate.
ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga is, however, determined to seal a deal with Ruto’s UDA, to ensure his party gets the Deputy President’s slot among other key positions.
Over 1000 cops being briefed. Too many civilian cops to count. One is left to wonder, just how lethal is @edwinsifuna ?Why is Ruto so worried honestly?He should just leave us to daydream with our ideas and thoughts in our minds on what Kenya would be like if Sifuna was the
Security Agencies on Alert
Western Regional Police Commander Isaak Mahoud confirmed that police are closely monitoring the situation, even as authorities dispute receiving formal notification for the rally.
According to Mahoud, security agencies learned about the planned gathering mainly through social media and online mobilisation, rather than an official notification from organisers.
While police say they have sufficient personnel to maintain order, the commander warned that officers are prepared to use all lawful means to prevent threats to peace, including action against unlawful conduct.
Intelligence reports cited by the police indicate that some individuals travelling to Kakamega for the rally may be armed, raising concerns about potential clashes.
In Kitengela, police violently disrupted the Sifuna-led rally, leading to the death of one person and injuries to several dozen others.
The meeting was peaceful, and leaders were making their statements.
Dispute Over Notification
Police leadership has repeatedly stated that no formal communication was received in advance of the gathering, prompting a fresh dispute with organisers who maintain official notification was submitted.
Both sides have presented conflicting accounts in press engagements, creating unease among local residents and political observers.
Political Opposition and Local Tensions
The rally has become a focal point of local political contention.
Governors and county leadership allied with rival political factions had earlier warned against staging the event, citing security concerns and urging residents to stay away or remain indoors.
In response, a group of Kakamega residents has openly threatened action against county legislators they believe are opposed to the rally.
Some residents allege that efforts are underway to disrupt the event by mobilising outsiders, although local MPs have denied these claims, asserting their State House visit focused solely on development issues.
Incidents En Route to Kakamega
Incidents in neighbouring counties have also inflamed security concerns.
A truck carrying public address equipment and materials linked to the Linda Mwananchi campaign was stoned in Kisumu’s Kona Mbaya trading centre, damaging its windscreen and raising fears of further unrest as participants travel to Kakamega.
The rally is part of a broader political mobilisation tied to internal divisions within ODM, with factions contesting influence ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Supporters of Sifuna, including senior party figures, have vowed to go ahead with the rally peacefully and emphasised their constitutional right to assemble.
