KISUMU, Kenya — Leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement received a strong reception in Kisumu on Sunday as they toured the lakeside city ahead of a planned rally at K’Owuor Grounds in Kibos.
A convoy carrying key figures, including Babu Owino, Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo, moved through several neighbourhoods, drawing crowds of residents who lined the streets.
A visible police presence was deployed across the city, with patrol vehicles monitoring movement amid heightened political tensions linked to recent concerns over the use of organised gangs at public gatherings.
The leaders began their engagements at Triumphant Christian Church in Nyaori, Nyalenda, where they joined congregants for a Sunday service before addressing worshippers.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino emphasised that the visit was peaceful and aimed at engaging citizens rather than provoking confrontation.
“They cannot come here and try to intimidate us in our own home. This is our home. When you come to your home, you don’t come with chaos; you come in peace and with love to greet your people and parents.”
“Our intention is simply to speak to the people of Kenya. There is no need to fight our own children here. Leaders who are paying people to cause violence among our youth should stop,” he said.
Owino also dismissed fears of disruption, calling on individuals allegedly positioned to cause unrest to stand down.
“Today, we have come in peace. Those goons stationed at Kachok should leave. We are many. We don’t have any problems with anybody,” he added.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi briefly addressed congregants, expressing gratitude after recovering from a recent attack.
“I have returned here because of God. I thank God for giving me life,” he said.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna thanked Kisumu residents for their turnout, framing the visit as both a political engagement and a gesture of appreciation.
“We have come to Kisumu to say thank you. There are those spreading fear, but we are telling wananchi we are coming in peace,” Sifuna said.
Siaya Governor James Orengo urged supporters to turn out in large numbers for the rally, warning against attempts to undermine the movement.
“We are fully aware of those orchestrating violence and the interests they serve. Abandon your schemes; this movement is an unstoppable force. The voice of the people is the voice of God,” Orengo said.
The turnout reflects the growing visibility of the Linda Mwananchi faction within opposition politics, particularly among urban and youth constituencies.
Videos circulating on social media earlier in the day showed groups of supporters already gathered at K’Owuor Grounds, signalling strong mobilisation ahead of the rally.
Tensions had been building since Saturday, when groups of youths were seen marching through parts of the city chanting slogans and carrying placards.
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A brief moment of unease was reported in the Kachok area on Sunday morning, though the situation was later brought under control.
The heightened security deployment comes against the backdrop of increasing concern over politically linked violence and the alleged use of organised groups to disrupt public events.
Authorities have in recent weeks pledged to clamp down on such activities, as political mobilisation intensifies ahead of the 2027 election cycle.
Following the church service, the leaders proceeded toward K’Owuor Grounds in Kibos, with large numbers of supporters trailing the convoy through the city.
By the time of publication, crowds continued to stream toward the venue as the highly anticipated rally got underway, underscoring the movement’s growing grassroots appeal and its evolving role in Kenya’s opposition politics.
