KAKAMEGA, Kenya — One person sustained serious injuries after a teargas canister was hurled near the dais during the Linda Wananchi rally organised by embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna in Kakamega town on Saturday, intensifying concerns over security at opposition gatherings.
Witnesses said youths at the venue moved swiftly to control the situation, breaking into a nearby compound from where the canister was believed to have been thrown.
The individual linked to the incident was escorted to the podium and later taken for medical attention after intervention by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who appealed for restraint and urged that no harm be inflicted.
Another person suspected of involvement in attempts to disrupt the rally was reportedly found carrying a handcuff and was also taken to the podium for questioning.
Earlier, groups of youths had cleared sections near the dais and allegedly damaged a vehicle as suspected disruptors left the area. Organisers said volunteers had been screening vehicles entering the venue in an effort to prevent interference with the event.
The gathering drew several senior leaders aligned with the ODM faction, including deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and a number of MPs from across the region.
Tensions had been building across Kakamega earlier in the day as youths and boda boda riders moved through the town on trucks, tuk-tuks and motorbikes carrying placards bearing political slogans. Some traders temporarily shut their businesses amid fears of clashes between rival groups.
Attempts were also reported to block the Sifuna-led team from accessing the town, with fires lit along sections of the Kakamega-Kisumu-Webuye highway.
However, the leaders ultimately reached Amalemba Grounds and proceeded with the rally.
Addressing supporters, Orengo said the rally would shape the direction of the Linda Wananchi movement and framed the mobilisation as a push for citizens’ political influence.
“We’re bringing change to Kenya, and Kenyans should know they wield sovereign power,” he said.
Owino echoed the message, describing the movement as an effort to confront national challenges and internal party debates over leadership and direction.
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“We want to ask the Oburu Odinga team to surrender the party to us because we want a strong Joshua,” he said.
He further warned that mass action could be considered if President William Ruto fails to implement the ten-point agenda agreement associated with opposition leader Raila Odinga.
The teargas incident adds to a series of confrontations surrounding recent Linda Wananchi events, including earlier clashes, property damage and allegations of planned disruptions.
Police in the Western region had previously cited intelligence suggesting the possibility of unrest, while organisers insist authorities were notified and accuse security agencies of interference.
Political analysts say the developments reflect widening tensions within Kenya’s opposition landscape as factions reposition ahead of future electoral contests, with grassroots mobilisation becoming a key battleground.
