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Orengo accuses govt of planning to disrupt Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega
20th February, 2026 05:14 PM
Siaya Governor James Orengo has accused the government of orchestrating plans to disrupt the Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for February 20 in Kakamega, claiming that groups are being mobilised to interfere with the meeting.
Speaking ahead of the planned rally in Kisumu on February 20, 2026, Orengo said there is evidence that individuals are being organised in different areas to sabotage the event, adding that the alleged interference had already begun affecting their preparations.
“Already, one of our trucks, which was heading towards Kakamega, was hit earlier in the day. The unfortunate thing is that all these plans are being executed by very senior people in government,” he said.
Despite the claims, the Siaya governor maintained that preparations for the rally are complete, noting that organising teams are arriving in Kakamega both today and tomorrow.
He expressed confidence that the meeting will attract a larger turnout than previous Linda Mwananchi rallies and urged residents of Kakamega and neighbouring counties to attend in large numbers.
Orengo further accused the state of resorting to what he termed as thuggery, comparing the situation to Haiti, which he said became unstable after reliance on irregular groups instead of formal security agencies.
“We stand firm in what we do and we are going to continue with these rallies and our activities and Kakamega is going to be a game changer. I want to remind those in government that if anything happens to anyone attending the rally, we will hold the head of state responsible as whatever we are doing is under the Constitution,” he said.
The governor described the Linda Mwananchi movement as a “tsunami” that cannot be stopped, adding that it reflects dissatisfaction among members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) over what he termed as the party’s deviation from its founding principles.
He called on ODM supporters to remain united, noting that the party’s constitutional values and the 10-point agenda must be preserved.
Orengo also referenced the memorandum of understanding signed between William Ruto and the late Raila Odinga, saying it forms part of the party’s legacy aimed at addressing the needs of Kenyans rather than political coalitions.
He argued that the agenda serves as a blueprint for the country’s future and cannot be implemented within a short period.
“The 10-point agenda is like a blueprint for Kenya to move into the future and I don’t think it will be possible for the 10 points to be made possible within the remaining two weeks,” he said, adding that intimidation will not deter him from advocating for what he believes is right for the people.
Meanwhile, Godfrey Osotsi, the ODM deputy chairperson and Vihiga Senator, said preparations for the Kakamega meeting are complete and that all required notifications to the police have been processed and approved.
Osotsi claimed they have credible information that some senior government officials are mobilising youths to disrupt the rally.
“I want to tell the government of President William Ruto to stop the desperation and panic. We have never seen a government that has panicked to this level just because Kenyans are trying to exercise their constitutional right of assembly, expression and freedom of speech,” he said.
He warned that if any disruption occurs, responsibility will be placed on President Ruto, Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo, whom he accused of being behind the alleged plans.
Osotsi said the organisers are seeking a peaceful rally similar to previous meetings held in Busia and Kitengela, where he noted there were attempts to disrupt the gatherings but supporters stood their ground.
He added that the movement has received support from Kenyans locally and abroad and insisted that the group will continue pushing for democratic freedoms and constitutional rights across Kenya.
