Sunday’s ‘Linda Mwananchi’ Meeting Disrupted as ODM Leaders Slam Government
High tension gripped Narok town yesterday, Sunday, March 22, as security officers deployed teargas to disperse a massive political rally organized by the “Linda Mwananchi” wing of the ODM party. Led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, the meeting was a major grassroots mobilization effort aimed at challenging the current administration on governance and economic issues.
The day began peacefully with the leaders attending a morning service at the Covenant Church in Ntulele. However, as the delegation moved into Narok town for the scheduled public address, the atmosphere shifted dramatically. Despite a heavy downpour that lasted through much of the afternoon, thousands of residents braved the weather to hear the opposition figures speak. The arrival of police and the subsequent use of teargas to break up the crowd was described by the leaders as a direct attempt to suppress democratic expression and silence the “Linda Mwananchi” movement.
During their speeches, the leaders launched a scathing attack on the government, accusing it of failing to manage the high cost of living and neglecting the healthcare and education sectors. Senator Edwin Sifuna specifically targeted the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), demanding that the technology systems for the 2027 elections be fully audited and transparent. He urged the youth to embrace the “Tuko Kadi” slogan and register as voters to ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box.
Beyond national governance, the leaders also addressed internal frictions within the ODM party. They announced plans to organize a “People’s National Delegates Conference (NDC)” in Nairobi, insisting that party leadership positions—including the Secretary General post currently held by Sifuna—must be determined by a popular vote of the members rather than through boardroom appointments. Despite the police intervention, the Linda Mwananchi team vowed to continue their nationwide tours to hold the government accountable and strengthen their grassroots presence.
