Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino has affirmed that the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisumu will proceed as scheduled, despite rising concerns over security threats and alleged plans to disrupt the event.
Speaking during a televised podcast interview hosted by Herman Manyora on Sunday, April 12, 2026, the outspoken legislator emphasized that their political mission cannot be derailed by intimidation. He maintained that engaging citizens across the country remains a constitutional right and a core objective of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
Owino underscored the importance of the Kisumu rally, describing it as a critical platform for amplifying the movement’s message, particularly in the Nyanza region, which has historically played a significant role in shaping national political discourse. He noted that recent incidents involving their allies would not deter them from pressing forward.
The MP referenced the recent attack on Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, terming it a worrying trend that threatens democratic engagement.
According to Owino, Osotsi was not even attending a political function at the time of the incident, raising broader concerns about safety and political tolerance.
“We must speak to Kenyans regardless of intimidation. Every citizen has a right to move freely and participate in national conversations,” Owino stated.
“We must speak to Kenyans regardless of intimidation. Every citizen has a right to move freely and participate in national conversations,” Owino stated.
He questioned the logic behind targeting leaders whether they are engaged in political rallies or private activities, suggesting that such actions point to a deeper issue of intolerance.
The upcoming Kisumu rally, scheduled for April 26, 2026, is expected to draw significant attention as it marks the culmination of the first phase of the Linda Mwananchi campaign.
The upcoming Kisumu rally, scheduled for April 26, 2026, is expected to draw significant attention as it marks the culmination of the first phase of the Linda Mwananchi campaign.
Siaya Governor James Orengo has described the event as historic, noting that it will set the tone for the movement’s next steps as the country inches closer to the 2027 General Election.
Despite sustaining injuries, Osotsi has reportedly expressed determination to attend the rally, signaling unity among the movement’s leaders.
Despite sustaining injuries, Osotsi has reportedly expressed determination to attend the rally, signaling unity among the movement’s leaders.
The Nakuru leg of the campaign, which precedes the Kisumu gathering, is also expected to reinforce their grassroots mobilization efforts.
Meanwhile, the Linda Mwananchi movement continues to evolve politically. Initially emerging as a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the group is now exploring the possibility of transforming into a fully-fledged political party. This move could significantly reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Osotsi had earlier hinted at broader coalition-building efforts, suggesting that Linda Mwananchi could align with other opposition groups under a unified agenda. Central to their vision is the push for what they describe as a “one-term” administration, a stance that is likely to intensify political debate in the coming months.
Meanwhile, the Linda Mwananchi movement continues to evolve politically. Initially emerging as a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the group is now exploring the possibility of transforming into a fully-fledged political party. This move could significantly reshape Kenya’s opposition landscape ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Osotsi had earlier hinted at broader coalition-building efforts, suggesting that Linda Mwananchi could align with other opposition groups under a unified agenda. Central to their vision is the push for what they describe as a “one-term” administration, a stance that is likely to intensify political debate in the coming months.
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