The leaders, among them Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka among others addressed the crowd and declared that their nationwide mobilisation drive dubbed the Linda Mwananchi Tour  would continue despite political resistance and earlier security concerns.

Speaking to supporters, the leaders said they would traverse the country to champion the rights and interests of ordinary Kenyans, insisting they would not be intimidated or silenced. 

Orengo launched a scathing attack on unnamed political actors, accusing them of attempting to weaken the party associated with Raila Odinga.  

“He wants to kill Raila Odinga’s party. The Secretary-General of ODM remains Edwin Sifuna. This movement that has begun here in Kakamega will go all the way to the Coast, Turkana and Kisumu,” Orengo said.

He added that Raila had a clear vision anchored on a 10-point agenda and maintained that a memorandum of understanding signed earlier stipulated that ODM could not enter into a coalition arrangement. 

“Raila had a vision, and that vision was the 10-point agenda. The MoU said ODM cannot form a coalition with any party,” he said.

The rally proceeded largely peacefully despite earlier concerns raised by Western Regional Police Commander Isaak Mahoud, who had claimed security agencies received intelligence suggesting that some individuals planning to attend the event could be armed. 

Tension briefly flared when a teargas canister was lobbed into the gathering just as Sifuna took to the stage to address supporters. The incident caused momentary panic, but leaders quickly urged calm and restraint.

Sifuna rallied the crowd to remain composed and endure the disruption, vowing that they would not allow police action to derail the event.

“I want to tell you why I am being targeted. It is because I keep reminding William Ruto that he had an agreement with Raila Odinga to respect the rights of the people, including devolution,” Sifuna said, referring to President William Ruto.

Supporters regrouped and the rally continued under heightened security. 

The leaders paused the gathering to play the national anthem in honour of a man who was killed during the faction’s rally in Kitengela last Sunday, observing a solemn moment in his memory.

They further accused the government of making promises it had failed to fulfil.

“We have said this movement will not end. Teargas cannot stop it. Hot water cannot stop it. The government cannot stop it. It must continue,” Babu Owino told the crowd.

“Listen carefully, young people. They promised that a boda boda rider would graduate from a motorcycle to owning a matatu. Who here owns a matatu? They said a mama mboga would own a supermarket. Who here owns a supermarket?” he posed. By Benjamin Muriuki, Citizen Digital