Kisumu rally under full security: Police vow protection as political tensions rise
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has assured the public that the rally will proceed under full security, even as authorities intensify investigations into organised groups accused of disrupting political gatherings.
Speaking before the Senate Defence Committee following the attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Kanja said police had identified the networks behind the so-called goons and were moving to dismantle them.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also revealed that 13–14 suspects fled the country after the incident, with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations working with foreign agencies to track them. Three suspects have already appeared in court in Kisumu and denied robbery with violence charges.
Authorities insist the Kisumu rally—part of a nationwide mobilisation led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino—will be protected.
Babu Owino claims security officer being targeted
Fresh controversy erupted after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino claimed investigators were targeting his security officer ahead of the Kisumu rally.
In a social media post on April 22, Owino alleged that Directorate of Criminal Investigations officers were attempting to arrest his aide, Oliver Ochieng, in what he termed an effort to frustrate the event.
He insisted the rally would go on regardless, declaring that the team would not bow to intimidation. Owino also revived earlier claims that his security officer and the officer's spouse had been arrested and assaulted by rogue officers earlier this year, calling for transparency and due process.
The lawmaker has remained one of the most vocal figures in the Linda Mwananchi faction, repeatedly insisting the group will continue its nationwide mobilisation after earlier events in Nakuru.
Atandi urges peace — but questions rally's support
Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi has appealed for calm while also casting doubt on the rally's prospects.
Speaking in Kisumu on April 23, Atandi said leaders visiting the city must present an agenda that benefits residents and avoid attacks on ODM leader Raila Odinga. He also criticised Governor Orengo's development record and reaffirmed his cooperation with President William Ruto, saying the partnership is focused on development for the region.
In a separate interview, Atandi went further, claiming the rally may not happen because residents are not interested. He alleged organisers planned to mobilise university students to boost attendance, insisting the event lacks local goodwill.
Despite the claims, the Linda Mwananchi team maintains the rally will proceed "come rain, come sunshine," framing the gathering as a show of defiance after the attack on Osotsi.
Ruth Odinga warns against blocking political freedoms
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has strongly condemned attempts to stop the rally, saying such actions threaten constitutional freedoms and risk deepening divisions within ODM.
She emphasised that freedom of movement, association, and expression are non-negotiable rights and warned against turning Kisumu into a political "no-go zone." Odinga urged unity within ODM, reminding members of the party's "gather all, scatter none" mantra as tensions rise between competing factions.
Religious leaders call for calm and responsibility
Amid the growing tension, the Kisumu Interfaith Network has issued a strong appeal for peace.
Led by Archbishop Betty Onyango and Fr Francis Konyach, clergy warned against political incitement and urged leaders to avoid inflammatory rhetoric. They also cautioned young people against being mobilised to disrupt public gatherings and called on security agencies to act professionally and impartially.
The religious leaders stressed that Kisumu has previously experienced unrest during periods of political tension and urged residents to ensure the upcoming rally becomes a model of peaceful democratic participation.
All eyes on Kisumu
With police pledging security, politicians exchanging strong statements, and religious leaders urging restraint, Kisumu now stands at the centre of a political moment that could test both ODM unity and Kenya's broader culture of political tolerance as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
All eyes will be on the lakeside city this Sunday.
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