A truck popularising the Linda Wananchi rally in Kakamega on Saturday/IMAGE /HILTON OTENYO 
Read Also
Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics
Cup pressure peaks as Shabana host Kenya Police in blockbuster quarter-final Football
Upper Hill coach Walgwe unperturbed despite drawing giants in Prescott Cup group phase Rugby
Enjoying this article? Subscribe for unlimited access to premium sports coverage.
View Plans

Police in Kakamega claim they were not informed of today's [Saturday] Linda Wananchi rally organised by embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna.

Western Regional police commander Issa Mohmud claimed the organisers had yet to formally notify the police.

“The police have not received any formal request for the meeting. We are ready to act against any situation that may threaten the stability, peace, and safety of locals and their property,” Mohmud said.

“We have heard of a rally organised by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and his faction of ODM at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega tomorrow. We picked this information from social media. No one has come to my office to request our assistance, but we will assist them as much as we can. We will disperse the gathering if it breaks the existing laws of the country,” he added.

“I don’t want to speculate but we will step in if there is any problem,” Mohmud said.

However, ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi disputed Mohmud’s remarks. Speaking to the Star, he said the Linda Wananchi team had informed the police of their intention to hold the rally through a written letter.

Osotsi said the government appeared concerned about the activities of Linda Wananchi, which have gained attention.

Siaya Governor James Orengo and Osotsi on Friday evening claimed that some senior government officials might be planning to intervene in Saturday’s meeting.

Osotsi emphasised that Kenyans have a constitutional right to free association, speech, and assembly.

A truck announcing the meeting was seen traversing streets and estates in Amalemba on Friday evening.

Mohmud declined to comment on social media discussions suggesting possible disruption of the rally.

“I have seen reports online about plans by various politicians regarding the rally. As police, we are not part of politics, so I cannot speak authoritatively on that,” he said.

“Our role is purely to maintain peace. We will use all means within our reach to ensure safety and prevent lawlessness,” Mohmud added.