Barely a day after violence disrupted its political activities in Kisumu and Nyahururu, the Linda Mwananchi movement has announced that it will proceed with its nationwide rallies, naming Taita Taveta as the venue for its next public meeting. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna said the recent chaos would not force the opposition to abandon its programme, insisting the movement would continue meeting Kenyans across the country.
Sifuna made the announcement in a post on his X account on Monday, July 13, 2026, where he said the opposition remained focused on its campaign despite the security concerns witnessed during Sunday's events.
“We shall keep moving. We have a country to save. We have no other choice than to keep moving! Tukutane Taita Taveta Sato,” Sifuna posted.
His statement confirms that Linda Mwananchi leaders are expected in Taita Taveta on Saturday, July 18, 2026, for another political rally.
The announcement comes after two separate opposition meetings in Kisumu and Nyahururu were interrupted by violence, prompting criticism from leaders who accused security agencies of failing to provide protection for their supporters.
Even with the latest incidents, the movement has maintained that its countrywide mobilisation will continue as planned.
Sifuna also made a humorous remark about the team's journey to Taita Taveta, joking that nothing would stop them from making the trip.
“Naskia fom ni SGR, ama hio kasongo anaeza simamisha hapo Tsavo?”
The planned meeting adds to a series of political tours that Linda Mwananchi leaders have held in different parts of the country over the past few weeks.
Violence first broke out in Kisumu on Sunday during a political event attended by Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), rival groups clashed during the gathering, leaving one person dead, several others injured, nine motorcycles burnt and a police vehicle damaged.
Police said officers responded to the incident and arrested eight suspects, who remain in custody awaiting arraignment.
The incident sparked condemnation from opposition leaders, who claimed the meeting had come under attack.
Police reject shooting claims in Nyahururu
Later the same day, another Linda Mwananchi gathering in Nyahururu turned chaotic shortly after opposition leaders attended a church service at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata claimed his convoy had been attacked and initially said his driver, Joseph Gitau, had been shot during the unrest.
“My driver was injured by police. There was a shooting incident where he was shot. He’s currently in hospital. He has a bullet lodged in his chest. We are yet to ascertain whether it’s a live bullet or a rubber bullet,” Kang’ata said.
The National Police Service disputed the claims, saying no shooting was reported during the incident.
“Contrary to some allegations, there was no shooting incident. Police responded promptly and arrested six suspects, who have been placed in custody pending arraignment,” the NPS said.
Police said Joseph Gitau suffered a chest injury after stones were thrown during the disturbance. They added that he was treated and later discharged from hospital.
Leaders accuse authorities of failing to act
Following the Nyahururu incident, opposition leaders faulted the government over what they described as repeated attacks on their political meetings.
Kang’ata said the movement would continue its activities despite the violence.
“Our movement is a peaceful movement. We don’t believe in chaos. We don’t believe in fights. We will soldier on because we don’t have an alternative. We’re only expressing ourselves, nothing else,” he said.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi questioned why Linda Mwananchi events continued to face disruption.
“We cannot have incidents back to back like this, and the police are doing nothing. We saw it happen in Keumbu; we have seen it today, where police come in plain clothes, others even in police attire, are participating in attacking our rallies,” Osotsi claimed.
Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi also linked the Nyahururu violence to earlier incidents in Kisii and Kisumu, saying the repeated disruptions appeared to be following the same pattern.
The National Police Service condemned the violence witnessed in both Kisumu and Nyahururu and warned that those responsible would face legal action.
“The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism,” the police said.
The service added that anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful political gatherings would be dealt with according to the law.