MERU, Kenya — A Linda Mwananchi rally in Makutano, Meru town, was disrupted on Saturday after a teargas canister was reportedly thrown into the crowd, forcing supporters to scatter for safety.
The incident came just three days after President William Ruto gave assurances regarding the protection of constitutional freedoms and barely a day after Siaya Governor James Orengo and his entourage were reportedly attacked during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Migori, where a vehicle linked to the team was also torched.
The teargas incident briefly brought the Meru meeting to a halt as opposition leaders attempted to calm supporters.
“Wananchi, msikimbie… hawawezi tutisha…” Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna told the crowd.
Sifuna Endorsed for 2027 Presidential Race
The disruption came amid growing competition within Linda Mwananchi over who should lead the opposition movement into the 2027 General Election.
Just 48 hours after Orengo declared his interest in the movement’s presidential ticket, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya led a group of leaders in endorsing Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate.
“I officially declare here in Meru that I support my brother Edwin Sifuna,” Babu said.
Natembeya also threw his weight behind the Nairobi senator, warning against divisions within the movement.
“If you see someone stepping aside, know that person is a traitor… Myself and the Luhya community, our position is with Sifuna,” he said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza also endorsed Sifuna.
“All Kenyans and supporters of Linda Mwananchi have decided that we are for Sifuna, others are a no. We will not fight,” Osotsi said.
“We support Sifuna to face Ruto,” Mwangaza added.
The endorsements came shortly after Orengo announced that he would also seek the Linda Mwananchi presidential ticket, setting the stage for a potential contest within the opposition movement.
Opposition Attacks Police Uniform Procurement
Sifuna and other opposition leaders also turned their attention to the newly unveiled police uniforms, alleging that the procurement process was marred by corruption.
“Ruto, you are even embezzling funds meant for police uniforms… Ruto, you are going home to Sugoi early in the morning,” Sifuna said.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale alleged that the uniforms had been procured at an inflated cost.
“Each uniform cost Ksh.39,000 instead of Ksh 14,000. Pure theft,” Khalwale claimed.
Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka similarly accused the government of misusing public resources.
“This is the theft of public resources,” he said.
The allegations have not been established in court, and the government has not, in the information provided, been shown to have responded to the specific claims.
Linda Mwananchi Takes Campaign to Meru
The opposition leaders held a series of rallies in Kiiria, Githongo, Nkubu, Makutano and Kianjai during their tour of Meru County.
They urged residents to register as voters in large numbers ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the leaders repeatedly calling for the removal of President Ruto from office through the ballot.
The team also condemned what it described as continued politically motivated violence targeting opposition leaders, following the reported incidents in Migori and now Meru.
The latest disruption is likely to intensify scrutiny of the security environment surrounding political rallies as parties and opposition formations increasingly mobilise ahead of the 2027 polls.
