The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a warning ahead of a planned rally by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi faction in Kisumu and Vihiga counties, urging organizers and the public to comply with the law during the event.
In a statement by Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga on April 24, the National Police Service (NPS) assured that it recognizes the constitutional right of Kenyans to assemble, demonstrate, and present petitions peacefully.
However, the Service stressed that such gatherings must be conducted in an orderly and lawful manner to protect public safety.
“The National Police Service wishes to remind and advise the public to exercise their rights within the law and in a manner that maintains peace, security, and respect for our Constitution,” the statement read in part.
Police Outline Legal Conditions for Public Assemblies
Police explained that while Article 37 of the Constitution allows peaceful protests and assemblies, the same Constitution provides limits where public order, security, or the rights of others may be affected.
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The Service also referenced the Public Order Act, which sets out conditions that must be met before any public meeting or procession can take place. These include holding events only between 6.00 a.m. and 6.00 p.m. and formally notifying the police in advance.
According to the police, organizers are required to inform the relevant regulatory officer at least 3 days, but no more than 14 days, before the planned rally. The notice must include the organizers’ names and physical addresses, the purpose of the meeting, the date, and the specific venue or route to be used.
Police added that organizers will be held responsible for the conduct of participants and are expected to work closely with security officers on the ground to ensure the event remains peaceful.
“The Service remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and protect the people while asking the public for the necessary cooperation in actualizing this mandate,” the police said.
Planned Linda Mwananchi Rally Scheduled for Kisumu
The rally, scheduled for Sunday, April 26, will take place in Kisumu and is being organized by the Linda Mwananchi faction of the ODM party.
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Led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and several other political allies, the faction brings together senior figures within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) who have previously taken part in party‑led mobilization activities across the country.
Linda Mwananchi stated that the event is primarily meant to thank Kisumu residents for helping identify individuals who attacked Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi in the city earlier this month.
They also plan to use the gathering to display their grassroots support in the Nyanza region and advance their opposition to President William Ruto as the country looks ahead to the 2027 elections.
However, the planned rally has drawn sharp opposition from some local leaders. Alego Usonga MP Sam Atandi has warned that the event “will not happen”, insisting that “no imposter will be allowed into Kisumu.”
Atandi argued that the rally lacks support from residents, saying it can only proceed “if the people of that area are interested in it.” He further claimed that “there is no mwananchi who wants to attend the rally.”
The MP also accused the organizers of planning to transport university students from outside the region to inflate attendance, arguing that genuine local backing for the rally does not exist.
