Linda Mwananchi has been warned against taking its political activities into Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD), with police promising to stop any gathering they believe could interfere with business, movement and the daily activities of residents.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud issued the warning on Saturday, September 12, 2026, as the movement stepped up preparations for its major rally at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East on Sunday.
Mohamud said the regional security team had agreed that large political gatherings would not be allowed in the CBD, especially over the weekend when the city centre receives large numbers of people.
“Large political rallies will not be permitted. We will not allow [them] to disrupt the normal function of the CBD,” Mohamud said.
He described the CBD as an important part of Nairobi used by workers, traders, families, tourists, worshippers and other visitors.
The commander said the restriction would apply to anyone seeking to hold a political rally in the city centre on Saturday or Sunday.
“Particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, we will not allow you, will not allow anybody to make a political rally there,” Mohamud said.
He further warned those who may attempt to ignore the police directive.
“We will not allow anyone to do a political rally there. Msijaribu. We will deal with you properly.”
Mohamud said the police position should not be viewed as an attempt to take away the constitutional rights of political groups.
He said officers were instead seeking to maintain order while ensuring businesses could operate, people could move freely and other members of the public could continue using the CBD.
“Our position is therefore not intended to deny anyone their constitutional right. It is intended to ensure that public order, business continuity and movement, and the rights of other citizens are protected,” he said.
The police warning came as Linda Mwananchi leaders intensified their campaign across Nairobi ahead of Sunday’s Jacaranda Grounds rally.
On Saturday, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and other leaders moved through several parts of Eastlands to rally support for the event.
The leaders toured Makadara, Shauri Moyo, Eastleigh, Majengo, Gikomba, Kangundo Road, Buruburu and Jericho before passing through Landi Mawe, Jogoo Road, Donholm and Umoja on their way towards Jacaranda Grounds.
The mobilisation followed several days of efforts by the movement to build support for the Nairobi gathering.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a key figure in Linda Mwananchi, has also urged supporters to attend the Sunday programme.
Sifuna’s itinerary indicates that supporters will meet at All Saints Cathedral at 9 am for a worship service before proceeding to Jacaranda Grounds for the main rally at 2 pm.
The procession is expected to pass through Marikiti, Gikomba, Burma Market, Jogoo Road, Manyanja Road, B Center and Stage 17 as the group heads towards the rally venue.
Linda Mwananchi had earlier announced the Jacaranda Grounds event as a major political gathering in Nairobi, with Babu Owino also leading mobilisation efforts ahead of the rally.
Mohamud said police were also taking into account the large number of people who visit the CBD on Sundays.
“Families come on Sunday. There are millions and millions of people who come to the CBD on Sunday,” he said.
He said young people, businesses and other members of the public should be able to use the city centre without their activities being disrupted.