Tension has rocked Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega as preparations for the much-publicised Linda Mwananchi rally gather momentum. Police officers reportedly fired teargas at the grounds before being chased away. The rally, organised under the Linda Mwananchi banner, is expected to begin in Mbale before culminating at Amalemba Grounds. It is spearheaded by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and is set to feature several political leaders, including Siaya governor James Orengo, Vihiga senator Godfrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino among others. Did police fire teargas at Amalemba Grounds? Ahead of the rally, police allegedly fired teargas at the grounds that has gained national attention in recent days. Eyewitnesses said officers using a private vehicle, reportedly a Demio, arrived at the venue and lobbed teargas canisters into the venue as supporters started streaming in. The sudden action triggered confusion and anger among youths who were already at the grounds preparing for the rally. In the aftermath, the youths regrouped and chased away the officers, vowing to monitor every vehicle entering the venue to prevent further disruption.
They accused unnamed individuals of attempting to frustrate their meeting through frustration and unwarranted force. “We have blocked this road because they have used it to harm our supporters,” one youth said. Youths at Amalemba say they will be vigilant and guard Sifuna using all means, urging police officers to stay at the police station to allow them to carry on their rally. Did Kakamega youth groups clash? The confrontation unfolded amid claims from the organisers that certain groups had been mobilised to interfere with the rally. Youths at the scene alleged that government-linked actors had deployed individuals they described as goons to destabilise the gathering. They further claimed that some people were being transported to the area to counter the rally, claiming that the groups were meant to intimidate participants and disrupt proceedings. Earlier reports indicated that a section of bodaboda operators gathered at a Shell petrol station in Khayega, where they held a meeting while wearing reflectors with “Tutam” inscribed. A group of youths dressed in ‘Tutam’ reflector jackets were captured holding a meeting.
The group was reportedly planning strategies around the rally, with allegations that they intended to block supporters from accessing the grounds. Later, a section of the boda boda group burnt the reflectors, arguing that they would not allow tools they believe could be used against their “own son”. What warning did police give ahead of Sifuna’s Kakamega rally? Despite the preparations, Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud said security agencies did not have any formal information about the rally. According to him, information about the event reached authorities through social media discussions rather than official channels. He claimed to have received information that individuals described as “goons” were being transported from Nairobi ahead of the rally, stating that the groups were allegedly armed. Mohamud stated that officers in Kakamega were prepared to handle any threats and that reinforcement would be deployed if necessary. The police boss emphasised that while political actors may engage in public exchanges and accusations, law enforcement would focus strictly on maintaining order and protecting lives and property. He warned that any attempt to disturb peace would be met with firm action, assuring residents that security personnel were adequately deployed and ready to respond decisively to any eventuality.
