A large crowd gathered at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega County as leaders from the Linda Mwananchi wing of the ODM Party assured supporters that their campaign would continue despite resistance and security fears.
The rally drew thousands of people who listened to messages about protecting the rights of ordinary citizens and strengthening the party’s principles.
The group was led by Edwin Sifuna and included several senior politicians such as Babu Owino, James Orengo, Godfrey Osotsi and Richard Onyonka.
They told the crowd that their nationwide mobilisation drive, known as the Linda Mwananchi Tour, would go on as planned.
According to them, the aim of the tour is to speak directly to Kenyans about governance, devolution, and the promises made to the people.
During his speech, Orengo criticised unnamed political actors whom he accused of trying to weaken the party linked to Raila Odinga.
He said the party still had clear leadership and a strong vision based on a 10-point agenda.
He also reminded supporters that an earlier memorandum of understanding stated that ODM could not enter into coalition agreements with other parties.
Before the rally, police had raised concerns that some individuals planning to attend the event might be armed. Even so, the meeting went on peacefully for most of the time.
Tension rose briefly when a teargas canister was thrown into the crowd just as Sifuna began speaking. People scattered for a short moment, but leaders quickly urged calm and asked supporters not to react violently. Security was tightened, and the rally resumed.
Sifuna told the gathering that he believed he was being targeted because he kept reminding William Ruto about an agreement with Raila Odinga that included respect for devolution and the rights of citizens.
He insisted that police action would not stop their movement.The leaders also paused to honour a man who was killed during a similar rally in Kitengela the previous week by playing the national anthem and observing a moment of silence.
Babu Owino accused the government of failing to meet its promises to young people and small traders. He questioned whether the pledges made about improving the lives of boda boda riders and market vendors had been fulfilled.
The leaders ended by saying their movement would continue across the country and would not be stopped by fear or intimidation.
