KAKAMEGA, Kenya- Thousands of residents have begun streaming into Amalemba Stadium/Grounds in Kakamega County Saturday morning ahead of the highly anticipated Linda Mwananchi political rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
The gathering is expected to be a major show of grassroots support for the faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) pushing for broader political engagement ahead of the 2027 general election.
Supporters have travelled from across the county and neighboring regions, filling streets and converging on the venue early amid heightened political interest in Western Kenya, a key electoral battleground.
Organisers of the rally have been publicly mobilising residents in the days leading up to the event, with music and campaign trucks circulating parts of Kakamega town and surrounding estates.
However, the build‑up to Saturday’s rally has been marked by tension.
Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohmud has said the force had not received formal notification of the planned event, claiming that the police only learned of it through social media posts and that no official request for security deployment was submitted.
It is very clear @edwinsifuna has inherited the shoes of the enigma Baba. Since the death of Kijana Wamalwa, Kenya has not had a leader who stirs personal emotion on leadership than Sifuna. It’s our time!
He warned that authorities would act to maintain peace and order if the gathering breached Kenyan law.
Political leaders allied to Sifuna, including ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo, have insisted that legal procedures were followed and that residents’ constitutional rights to assembly and expression must be respected.
They have encouraged supporters to attend in strong numbers.
The rally follows previous Linda Mwananchi engagements in other parts of the country, including Busia and Kitengela, and is seen as a key test of the faction’s influence and momentum in Western Kenya.
Organisers believe a large turnout will send a clear message ahead of the 2027 elections.
Efforts to draw crowds have faced challenges: a campaign sound truck donated to Sifuna’s team was stoned in Kisumu County as it made its way to Kakamega, in an incident the senator described as intimidation.
As of mid‑morning, residents continue arriving at Amalemba Grounds, with local vendors and supporters already organising around the venue in anticipation of speeches and political engagement.
