Kakamega, Kenya- Defying attempts by security agents to disrupt their gathering, Linda Mwananchi leaders led by ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi pressed on with their political meeting at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega on Saturday.
Supporters who had converged in large numbers at the rally site were met with tear gas canisters thrown into the venue before Sifuna could deliver his speech, an apparent attempt to disperse the crowd as tensions ran high ahead of the event.
Despite the early disruption, the crowd refused to disperse.
Rally leaders maintained calm and resolved to continue the meeting.
Sifuna reaffirmed his commitment to the event, declaring: “You shall not destroy our meeting.”
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi leads ‘Shame on You’ chant against leaders opposing their ‘Linda Mwananchi’ rally while addressing supporters at Kakamega’s Amalemba Grounds.
Supporters echoed the sentiment with chants of “Sisi Ndio Sifuna”, signalling their loyalty to the senator and the Linda Mwananchi movement.
During the commotion, two men allegedly found with tear gas canisters were attacked and seriously injured by the crowd as tension spiked.
Sifuna rescued the two men who were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Governor Orengo used the occasion to criticise perceived interference, accusing detractors of seeking to kill the Orange Democratic Movement’s momentum.
“They killed Raila and they now want to kill Raila’s party,” he said.
James Orengo: Kenya hii tuna matatizo mengi, lakini kitu kilichotupiga sana ni kifo cha Raila Odinga na sasa wanataka kuua chama chake.
Some rally supporters also urged Sifuna to consider a national leadership position, reflecting the grassroots enthusiasm within segments of the crowd.
The Kakamega rally is part of a wider Linda Mwananchi tour aimed at engaging voters across counties ahead of the 2027 general election, amid internal divisions within the ODM and growing opposition activism.
