Orengo, Osotsi Claim Plot to Disrupt Kakamega ‘Linda Mwananchi’ Rally

Opposition leaders James Orengo and Godfrey Osotsi have raised concerns over plans to disrupt the “Linda Mwananchi” rally set for Saturday in Kakamega, accusing senior figures of orchestrating efforts to destabilise the event.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, the leaders alleged that groups of youths had been mobilised and provided with resources to interfere with the rally. They also reported an attack on a vehicle transporting materials to the venue, which they described as a troubling sign of deliberate interference.

Governor Orengo characterised these actions as an attempt to intimidate organisers and undermine opposition mobilisation in Western Kenya. He insisted that the rally had been legally planned and warned that any obstruction would violate the right to assembly and expression, which are protected under the constitution.

“This is not random. It appears to be coordinated by senior individuals,” he said, emphasising that the opposition would not be intimidated.

Senator Osotsi, who also serves as deputy leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), echoed these concerns. He pointed out that organisers had notified the police and secured the necessary clearance for the event.

Osotsi suggested that intelligence reports indicating the mobilisation of youths to Kakamega pointed to political intolerance and anxiety within the government over the opposition’s growing grassroots engagement. Although Osotsi named several individuals allegedly involved in the plot, none had publicly responded to the accusations by the time of reporting.

He framed the alleged interference as part of a wider struggle over democratic freedoms, warning that attempts to silence opposition voices could undermine constitutional rights. Despite the uncertainties, both leaders confirmed that the rally would proceed as planned.

They called on supporters from Kakamega and surrounding counties to attend in large numbers, framing the event as a critical moment for regional political participation.

“This rally is not about individuals. It is about defending democratic space and speaking for wananchi,” Orengo said.