NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Police Service (NPS) has praised the peaceful conduct of the Linda Mwananchi rally at Jacaranda Grounds, describing the September 13 political gathering as a model for future political engagements.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the Service had received positive feedback from members of the public following the rally in Embakasi, Nairobi.
The police said the event was conducted peacefully, with organisers, participants and security officers showing what it described as mutual respect and restraint.
Police Praise Jacaranda Rally
The NPS said the conduct witnessed at Jacaranda demonstrated that Kenyans can exercise their constitutional freedoms without violence or disruption of public order.
“What was witnessed on Sunday is precisely what the National Police Service has consistently advocated: that we can exercise our constitutional freedoms peacefully and within the law,” the Service said.
The statement comes after thousands of supporters joined the Linda Mwananchi movement’s Nairobi mobilisation on Sunday, with the procession passing through parts of the city before culminating at Jacaranda Grounds.
NPS Calls for Similar Conduct
The police commended members of the public for what it described as cooperation, maturity and adherence to established protocols during the event.
The Service urged political leaders, their supporters and other stakeholders to adopt the same approach during future political gatherings.
“The Jacaranda rally demonstrates that political expression can take place without violence or disruption of public order,” NPS said.
The Service said the conduct should become the standard for political engagements going forward.
Sifuna, Babu and Orengo Attend Rally
The Jacaranda event was led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and other political figures associated with Linda Mwananchi.
The movement’s programme began with a church service at All Saints Cathedral before supporters moved through Marikiti, Gikomba, Burma Market and other parts of Nairobi before proceeding to Jacaranda Grounds.
Police maintained a visible presence along parts of the route.
The rally followed a police decision to restrict large political gatherings in Nairobi’s Central Business District while allowing the organisers to proceed with the event at Jacaranda Grounds.
Police Stress Apolitical Role
The NPS reiterated that it remains apolitical and impartial, saying its mandate is to serve and protect all Kenyans, residents and visitors.
The statement comes as political activity intensifies ahead of the 2027 General Election, with rival political formations holding rallies and building support across the country.
The peaceful conduct of the Jacaranda event offers an example of how police, organisers and political supporters can manage large gatherings while maintaining public order.
Rally Draws Attention Ahead of 2027
The Nairobi mobilisation was one of Linda Mwananchi’s most prominent events in the capital and attracted significant attention as opposition figures position themselves ahead of the next election.
Sifuna used the rally to call for opposition unity, while the gathering also brought together politicians with different political backgrounds and ambitions.
The NPS statement does not endorse any political group or position. Instead, the Service said its focus remains on ensuring that political expression takes place peacefully and within the law.
Nyaga signed the statement on behalf of the National Police Service on September 16, 2026.
NPS: Peaceful Politics Should Become the Standard
The police said the events at Jacaranda should serve as a reference point for future political engagements.
As the country approaches the 2027 election, the Service encouraged political actors and their supporters to maintain restraint and respect established protocols during rallies, processions and other public political activities.
The NPS said it would continue to provide security while maintaining its commitment to impartiality and public safety.
