Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has openly challenged law enforcement officers to attempt disrupting a political rally organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction, declaring that the group will not be intimidated from holding public gatherings.
Sifuna issued the challenge while addressing thousands of supporters during a rally at Tononoka Grounds in Mombasa on Sunday, March 29.
The rally attracted a large crowd of supporters aligned with the faction that has recently emerged within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
During his address, the outspoken senator mocked previous attempts to interfere with the group’s meetings and dared authorities to use tear gas if they intended to disperse the gathering.
“Because you are used to doing it, if you have tear gas this is your opportunity,” Sifuna told the crowd.
During his address, the outspoken senator mocked previous attempts to interfere with the group’s meetings and dared authorities to use tear gas if they intended to disperse the gathering.
“Because you are used to doing it, if you have tear gas this is your opportunity,” Sifuna told the crowd.
“Before I continue, if you were sent with tear gas, release it now.”
His remarks were received with loud cheers from supporters who had gathered at the historic coastal venue, widely known for hosting major political rallies.
Sifuna also referenced earlier incidents where events linked to the Linda Mwananchi faction were allegedly disrupted by police officers, saying the group would continue organising rallies despite what he described as intimidation.
According to the senator, the large turnout in Mombasa demonstrated that the movement enjoys significant grassroots support and would not be silenced.
“We were told we could not come to Tononoka Grounds,” he told the cheering crowd. “But look around you — we are here.”
The rally brought together several leaders associated with the faction, including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, who has been vocal about the need for what he calls a renewed political movement focused on defending the interests of ordinary citizens.
The Linda Mwananchi faction has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, organising political gatherings in different parts of the country while criticising the direction of the ODM party leadership.
Political tensions within the party have escalated following leadership changes after the death of longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
His remarks were received with loud cheers from supporters who had gathered at the historic coastal venue, widely known for hosting major political rallies.
Sifuna also referenced earlier incidents where events linked to the Linda Mwananchi faction were allegedly disrupted by police officers, saying the group would continue organising rallies despite what he described as intimidation.
According to the senator, the large turnout in Mombasa demonstrated that the movement enjoys significant grassroots support and would not be silenced.
“We were told we could not come to Tononoka Grounds,” he told the cheering crowd. “But look around you — we are here.”
The rally brought together several leaders associated with the faction, including Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino, who has been vocal about the need for what he calls a renewed political movement focused on defending the interests of ordinary citizens.
The Linda Mwananchi faction has been gaining momentum in recent weeks, organising political gatherings in different parts of the country while criticising the direction of the ODM party leadership.
Political tensions within the party have escalated following leadership changes after the death of longtime opposition leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
His elder brother, Siaya Senator Oburu Odinga, was later endorsed as the new leader of the party during a Special Delegates Convention.
However, some members allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction have questioned the new leadership structure, arguing that the party risks drifting away from its founding ideals.
Sunday’s rally in Mombasa appeared to reflect the deepening divisions within the party as rival camps continue to assert influence.
Despite the fiery rhetoric, the gathering proceeded without disruption, with supporters remaining at the venue for several hours as leaders addressed the crowd.
However, some members allied to the Linda Mwananchi faction have questioned the new leadership structure, arguing that the party risks drifting away from its founding ideals.
Sunday’s rally in Mombasa appeared to reflect the deepening divisions within the party as rival camps continue to assert influence.
Despite the fiery rhetoric, the gathering proceeded without disruption, with supporters remaining at the venue for several hours as leaders addressed the crowd.
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