Traders briefly paused business while boda boda riders lined the roadside, eager to catch a glimpse of leaders who had promised a bold conversation about the party’s direction and the country’s political future.
The gathering, organised by the Linda Mwananchi faction within the Orange party, drew a sizeable turnout despite a brief disruption marked by tear-gas being lobbed near the rally venue.
Supporters scattered momentarily but quickly regrouped, chanting defiantly as leaders took to the dais to steady the crowd and press on with the programme.
At the centre of the rally were Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo, who have been spearheading the Linda Mwananchi push within Orange Democratic Movement.
The duo framed the Kakamega stop as part of a broader grassroots mobilisation drive aimed at strengthening internal democracy and reconnecting the party with its support base.
Addressing the crowd, Sifuna faulted what he termed as attempts to intimidate supporters, saying the use of tear gas would not silence voices calling for accountability and transparency.
He urged residents to remain peaceful but resolute in demanding leadership that prioritises citizens’ welfare.
Orengo, on his part, emphasised the need to safeguard constitutionalism and defend devolution, warning against political arrangements that could dilute the voice of ordinary Kenyans.
He told supporters that the Linda Mwananchi movement was not about rebellion but about ensuring that the party remains faithful to its founding ideals.
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The brief chaos unfolded shortly before the main speeches began, as anti-riot police moved in to disperse a section of the crowd following what authorities described as a security concern.
No serious injuries were reported, and the rally proceeded after calm was restored.
Organisers accused unnamed actors of attempting to sabotage the event, while police maintained that their presence was purely to maintain order.
Kakamega County has long been considered a stronghold of the Orange party, making the rally symbolically significant for the Linda Mwananchi camp.
As the rally concluded, supporters marched through Amalemba’s streets, chanting solidarity songs and pledging loyalty to the faction’s agenda.
Whether the show of force signals a deeper internal shift or simply a temporary flare-up remains to be seen, but one thing was clear the battle for the soul of the party is unfolding in full public view.
