Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has welcomed the planned Linda Mwananchi rally to the county, maintaining that the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) remains firmly committed to supporting the broad-based government.
Speaking during a public gathering in Kabondo Kasipul, Wanga said all political leaders and movements have the constitutional right to tour any part of the country and engage with citizens.
"Anybody is free to tour any part of this country. Anybody is free to seek whatever they want in any part of the country," Wanga said.
The governor emphasised that ODM's position on the broad-based government remains unchanged despite the opposition movement's planned visits ." As a people, particularly in the ODM party, our decision is made. So you can tour these places five times, you can come back seven times. You can come back 20 times," she added.
Governor Wanga also appealed to young people to reject violence and avoid being drawn into political confrontations, urging locals to safeguard peace and refrain from shedding blood despite differing political opinions.
Wanga reminded the youth that Kenyans are one family and cautioned against allowing politics to sow division among communities. Instead, she encouraged them to protect lives, property and national unity as political activities continue across the country.
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The Linda Mwananchi rally is scheduled to take place in Homa Bay on August 16. Organisers say the event will focus on civic rights, governance, accountability, economic challenges and the rising cost of living.
The gathering comes barely a month after the movement held a series of high-profile rallies across western Kenya that attracted large crowds in several counties.
The Homa Bay event will mark the movement's first major political rally in the county. Organisers say they have complied with the requirements of the Public Order Act and have assured residents that the event will be conducted peacefully.
"We will make a big announcement, and that is for plans," one of the organisers said, adding that their priority is to ensure the rally remains peaceful.
The organisers also welcomed all attendees but warned that anyone intending to cause chaos or disrupt the event would not be tolerated.