Chaos erupted at a Linda Mwananchi rally in Makutano, Meru Town, after a tear-gas canister was lobbed into the gathering, sending supporters scrambling for safety.
The incident came a day after Siaya Governor James Orengo and members of the movement were attacked during a political engagement in Migori, where tear gas was deployed and a vehicle in his convoy was later torched in Awendo. Orengo has described the incident as an attempt on his life.
Despite the disruption in Meru, opposition leaders remained at the venue and continued with their meeting as the Linda Mwananchi movement intensified its grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna emerged as the central figure during the Meru tour, with Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya among leaders backing his bid for the presidency. Babu Owino has publicly declared his full support for Sifuna’s 2027 presidential ambitions.
Sifuna also used the rallies to criticise the Kenya Kwanza administration, accusing President William Ruto’s government of failing to deliver on its promises. He further questioned the procurement and rollout of the newly introduced police uniforms.
The opposition leaders held rallies across several parts of Meru, including Kiirua, Githongo, Nkubu, Makutano and Kianjai, as they sought to expand the movement’s support in the region.
They urged residents to register as voters in large numbers and use the 2027 General Election to vote out President Ruto.
The Meru tour also came shortly after Governor James Orengo declared his intention to pursue the presidency, adding another potential contender to the growing field of opposition figures seeking the presidency in 2027.
The Linda Mwananchi leaders concluded their Meru tour by condemning what they described as politically motivated violence against opposition leaders, accusing security agencies and politicians aligned with the broad-based government of failing to protect their rivals.
The movement vowed to continue its nationwide mobilisation despite the recent disruptions and attacks targeting its leaders.
