Linda Mwananchi outlines plan for Nairobi rally as ODM refutes disruption claims

Linda Mwanachi during their rally[File]

The Linda Mwananchi movement has stepped up preparations for its planned Nairobi rally today, with its leaders dismissing threats of disruption even as ODM moved to distance itself from allegations that its supporters could disrupt the meeting.

Led by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, the Linda Mwananchi leaders visited the Jacaranda grounds yesterday where the meeting will be held, ensuring their supporters that no threat to cause mayhem will deter them from proceeding with the rally. 

“We have been told stories about goons. Take that game to your bedroom. Be a goon in your own house,” Owino said.

“Here in Embakasi, you cannot bring matters of goons. We are peace-loving people and we welcome visitors.”

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi said the movement had now returned to Nairobi for what he described as a historic gathering, insisting that its leaders and supporters would not be intimidated.

“We have travelled across 18 counties and now we have returned home to Nairobi. Tomorrow, we have a historic meeting here,” Osotsi said.

He challenged anyone planning to disrupt the gathering to reconsider, warning that Linda Mwananchi would not be cowed.

“We have never gone to disrupt anyone’s meeting. But if you want death, come and try to disrupt our meeting,” Osotsi said. 

This as reports had emerged of plans to disrupt the opposition's rally, with video clips going rounds on social media of some youth warning the Linda Mwananchi leaders against proceeding with the meeting. 

Osotsi further dismissed reports of division with the outfit, stating: “I have seen the Government panic and start sending messages that we are divided. We are together like a finger and a ring,” he said. “Our unity will send Ruto home.”

Owino, meanwhile, took aim at UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar over remarks that have triggered debate about the integrity of the 2027 elections.

Omar had reportedly suggested that even dead people could be registered to vote, remarks that have been interpreted by opposition figures as an indication of possible manipulation of the voters’ register.

Owino dismissed the claim as absurd, saying elections should be decided by living, registered voters whose ballots are counted.

“Yesterday we heard the UDA Secretary General saying that even dead people who died will register to vote. Are these people confused? Isn’t that nonsense? Those who are alive are the ones who will vote and their votes will be counted," Owino said. 

The remarks came as Nairobi ODM leadership moved to draw a clear line between itself and the planned rally,  insisting that the party had no intention of interfering with the event.

Makadara MP George Aladwa said ODM had no political activity planned for tomorrow and would not mobilise its members to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi gathering.

“Kenya is a democratic country, and in a democratic country people must be allowed to hold their meetings,” Aladwa said.

“We have said clearly that we, as a broad-based party, will not interfere with anyone’s rally. Nobody will disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally tomorrow.”

He said Linda Mwananchi leaders were Kenyans entitled to conduct their political activities, just as ODM members were free to pursue their own programmes.

“They are our colleagues and fellow Kenyans. Let them do their things tomorrow and finish. Others will also continue with their activities,” he said.

Aladwa also dismissed Omar’s remarks, saying the UDA official was speaking for his party and not the broad-based partnership.

“As ODM, we believe IEBC will conduct the 2027 election,” he said. “The views of the UDA Secretary General are not the views of ODM.”

“We want a free and fair election. We do not want an election that is rigged,” he said.

He defended the integrity of the voter register, saying the system allowed voters to verify their details and identify themselves using their identification information.