NAIROBI, Kenya- The Linda Mwananchi movement has taken its grassroots mobilisation campaign to Meru County, with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna leading a team of opposition leaders in a major political engagement ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The Meru visit on Sunday, August 30, marks another major stop for the movement as it seeks to expand its support base beyond areas traditionally associated with the opposition.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the movement’s leading figures and was expected to lead the Meru caravan alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and other allied leaders.
Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who has aligned herself with Linda Mwananchi, has also taken a prominent role in mobilising support in the region.
Mwangaza welcomed Sifuna and other leaders ahead of the rally, giving the movement a prominent local political figure as it seeks to make inroads in Mount Kenya East.
Sifuna had earlier clarified that the first Meru visit would be centred on Meru Town, rather than covering the entire county. He said the movement would return to Meru for further grassroots engagements in other parts of the county.
The Meru tour comes after Linda Mwananchi’s controversial visit to Homa Bay on August 16, where its activities were disrupted by violence and road blockades.
The movement accused unnamed political actors and security officials of failing to protect its supporters, while the National Police Service later announced the arrest of 37 people following the violence.
The build-up to the Meru rally has also been marked by warnings of possible disruption.
Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi rejected claims linking him to groups allegedly planning to interfere with the meetings. He said his name had been invoked by youths in circulating videos and insisted that every Kenyan has a constitutional right to assemble and visit any part of the country.
Former Governor Mwangaza had separately appealed for police protection after some youths in Igembe South reportedly warned her against accompanying Sifuna to the region.
The political significance of the Meru visit extends beyond the rally itself.
Linda Mwananchi has been moving across the country as its leaders seek to build a nationwide grassroots network ahead of 2027, with the movement previously holding engagements in Western Kenya, Homa Bay and other parts of the country.
