Linda Mwananchi leaders have received a security assurance ahead of their planned Homa Bay gathering on Sunday, August 16, with Internal Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo saying the government will allow the meeting to take place as long as organisers and attendees keep within the law.
Omollo said political groups should be free to travel and hold meetings in different parts of the country without being stopped because of their political leanings.
“Whether they do whichever formation, everybody has a right to go to any part, any corner of the country and converse their issues,” Omollo said.
He said security agencies would protect those attending the meeting, but warned that the freedom to organise political events should not be used as a reason to break the law.
“The position is very clear, everybody is free to go anywhere while at it; the expectation is that they must observe law and order,” he said.
According to Omollo, those who attend political gatherings must ensure their activities remain peaceful and should not allow themselves to be drawn into criminal acts.
“Criminal elements or criminal acts that are either related to politics or political contestation will not be tolerated. We should not allow ourselves to be misused by any political player for their own self-interest,” he said.
The assurance comes as political activity continues to grow ahead of the 2027 General Election, with the planned Homa Bay gathering attracting attention from both the organisers and security authorities.
Linda Mwananchi leaders had raised concerns over what they said were efforts to stop or disrupt their meeting.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, who is among the leaders backing the gathering, said he would travel to Homa Bay with other opposition figures despite the concerns raised over their planned visit.
Orengo maintained that political leaders have the right to move across the country and meet citizens, pointing to constitutional freedoms covering movement, association, expression and peaceful assembly.
“I want to assure those leaders from Homa Bay that we will be in Homa Bay,” Orengo said.
The governor also made allegations over preparations allegedly being made to interfere with the rally.
He claimed that some people had organised meetings where weapons were allegedly handed out ahead of the event. Among the items he mentioned were rungus, arrows and pangas.
The allegations had not been independently verified at the time.
Orengo said several leaders from the Linda Mwananchi Brigade would accompany him to Homa Bay, naming Brian Weke, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino among those expected to attend.
Weke said the organisers had already informed the police about their plans and would visit Homa Bay Police Station to formally report the meeting.
He said the planned gathering should not become a source of violence, recalling the late former leader Raila Odinga's position on allowing people to express views even when others disagree with them.
“Raila once said, I might not agree with what you are saying, but I will ensure that the right for you to say it cannot be compromised,” Weke said.
Weke further called on youths who he alleged were being mobilised to oppose the visiting leaders to think carefully about their involvement.
The developments have placed security and the right to hold political meetings at the centre of the planned Homa Bay gathering, with Omollo making it clear that the government would allow political engagement while taking action against criminal behaviour.