Linda Mwananchi rally organizers and supporters faced a chaotic scene at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as police deployed tear gas to break up the gathering. The event, headlined by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, was part of a nationwide tour by the movement to protest the rising cost of living and government spending.
The Dispute Over Legality
The confrontation highlights a growing friction between the state and the opposition regarding the right to assemble. Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud defended the police action, claiming that the Linda Mwananchi rally had not been formally sanctioned. According to Mohamud, his office was never officially notified of the meeting, having only seen posters circulating on social media.
Furthermore, the police commander alleged that security forces were acting on intelligence suggesting that “armed groups” were being transported from Nairobi to infiltrate the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega. This prompted a heavy deployment of anti-riot police who surrounded the venue early in the morning.
Senator Sifuna, however, countered these claims by producing evidence of notification. He asserted that he had personally ensured the local OCPD was informed and had even shared the notification via WhatsApp with Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen. “The police are being used as a political tool to silence the cry of the people,” Sifuna stated as the smoke from the tear gas canisters cleared.
Escalating Tensions and Background Violence
The atmosphere surrounding the Linda Mwananchi rally has become increasingly volatile. Just 24 hours prior to the Kakamega event, a truck carrying sound equipment and branding for the movement was pelted with stones at Kona Mbaya.
This follows the tragic events of February 15 in Kitengela, where a supporter named Vincent Oyamo lost his life after being shot during a similar confrontation with police. The movement leaders have accused the government of using excessive force to quell a legitimate Linda Mwananchi rally while allowing pro-government groups to meet without interference.
At the Amalemba grounds, the tension was palpable even before the arrival of the main speakers. Youths were seen burning TUTAM reflector jackets—garments associated with a rival political faction perceived to be allied with the state. Chants against the current regime filled the air as supporters stood their ground despite the heavy police presence.
Resilience Amid the Chaos
Despite the initial attempt to shut down the Linda Mwananchi rally, the leaders eventually managed to access the podium and address the resilient crowd. Governor James Orengo likened the movement to a “tsunami,” telling the residents of Kakamega that no amount of tear gas could stop a population that is hungry and tired of over-taxation.
Babu Owino used the platform to reiterate the movement’s demands, including the immediate reduction of fuel prices and the scrapping of the controversial housing levy. He argued that the Linda Mwananchi rally is not just a political gathering but a “survival meeting” for Kenyans struggling to put food on the table.
What’s Next for the Movement?
As the day ended, Senator Sifuna announced a strategic pause for the group. He noted that the Linda Mwananchi rally schedule would be suspended during the upcoming Ramadan period to respect the Muslim community. However, he warned that the movement would return with a massive demonstration in Mombasa immediately following the holy month.
The government has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the specific use of force in Kakamega, but the Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned against unauthorized gatherings that could lead to a breach of peace
