Orengo, Osotsi raise concerns over possible disruption ahead of Kakamega rally

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi/FAITH MATETE

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi have claimed that senior figures may be involved in plans to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Saturday in Kakamega, warning that any outbreak of violence could have “serious consequences.”

Speaking to the press a day before the anticipated “Linda Mwananchi” rally, the two leaders alleged that groups of youths had been mobilised and facilitated in ways that could interfere with the gathering.

They further claimed that a vehicle transporting materials to the venue had already been attacked under unclear circumstances.

Governor Orengo described the alleged interference as a possible attempt to intimidate organisers and affect the opposition’s mobilisation efforts in Western Kenya.

“We are aware of what appear to be deliberate attempts to destabilise tomorrow’s meeting. Youths have reportedly been recruited and paid to cause chaos,” he said.

“This is not random. It appears to be coordinated by senior individuals....”

The governor maintained that organisers followed legal procedures in planning the event and said that any disruption could constitute a violation of constitutional rights, including freedoms of assembly and expression.

Senator Osotsi, who also serves as deputy party leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), said organisers had formally notified security agencies about the rally and received clearance to proceed.

“We followed all legal procedures. The police were duly informed and approved the meeting,” Osotsi said.

He added, “We now have information that certain state actors may be bringing youths into Kakamega to interfere with what is meant to be a peaceful assembly.”

He alleged that the government may be uneasy over the opposition’s renewed grassroots engagement, describing the alleged scheme as an act of political intolerance.

Osotsi named several leaders as individuals reportedly linked to the plan, though neither had publicly responded to the claims by the time of going to press.

Despite the concerns, the leaders insisted that the rally would go ahead as planned.

They called on supporters from Kakamega and neighbouring counties to attend in large numbers, describing the meeting as a pivotal moment in the region’s political engagement.

“This rally is not about individuals. It is about defending democratic space and speaking for wananchi,” Orengo said.