Kakamega Rally Sparks Security Standoff as Police Accuse Edwin Sifuna Team of Mobilising Armed Gangs
Tension is steadily rising ahead of the much-publicised Kakamega Rally, with the National Police Service alleging that individuals linked to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna are mobilising armed groups for the political event.
The rally, organised by the Linda Mwananchi team, is scheduled to begin in Mbale before culminating at Amalemba Grounds. It is expected to draw a large crowd and feature prominent political figures, including Godfrey Osotsi and Babu Owino.
But even before supporters gather, the event has found itself at the centre of serious security allegations.
Police Claim Armed Individuals Are Being Transported
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday evening, Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud revealed that security agencies had received what he described as credible intelligence reports.
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According to Mohamud, individuals labelled as “goons” were allegedly being transported from Nairobi ahead of the rally.
He claimed the groups were armed with rifles and suggested that organisers had not engaged security agencies formally.
“We have every kind of information. We even told people who are coming from as far as Nairobi who are armed who are coming. Armed with rifle, that’s what we’ve been told. They’re armed, they said they don’t need the police. That’s why nobody has talked to me. And that’s why I don’t know. So, if they are armed, so what do you do? niko na askari ya kutosha. Kama ni shida niko na Askari ya kutosha sijaanza kuuliza usaidizi mahali; itakuja tu,” he said.
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The police boss maintained that officers in Kakamega were fully prepared to deal with any security breach. He even indicated that reinforcements could be airlifted if necessary.
Organisers Yet to Formally Notify Police
Mohamud further revealed that his office had not received any formal notification regarding the rally.
Instead, he said, authorities learned about the gathering through social media platforms.
“There are allegation that tomorrow we’ll have a rally led by Senator Sifuna, Senator of Nairobi and this function and his team, they want to make a rally at Amalemba. That is what we got through the social media. We have never met somebody who is talking about that rally, nobody has come to my office requesting for any assistance, but we’ll assist them as much as we can tomorrow. Social media, it’s not very reliable, what we are getting is accusation and counter-accusation. So, those accusations have nothing to do with the police. Those are purely political; it is between them,” Mohamud said.
Despite the political undertones, he insisted the police would remain neutral and focused strictly on maintaining law and order.
Strong Warning Against Lawlessness
The Western police boss did not mince his words when addressing potential disruptions.
“What we are saying is that police will be, wherever there is a problem, we will provide security and we will take action, where possible. Ours is to maintain peace, that is purely. Tutatumia nguvu yote kuhakikisha kuna amani. Nguvu yote! We will not accept lawlessness here.We cannot accept our country to go to the dogs. Hapana hatutakubali hiyo. Tuko,” Mohamud stated.
His remarks signal heightened security deployment across Kakamega ahead of Saturday’s event.
Previous Incident Raises Anxiety
The security alert follows an earlier incident in Kisumu’s Riat area, where the Linda Mwananchi caravan was allegedly stoned.
Sifuna blamed what he described as government-sponsored goons for the attack, further escalating political temperatures.
The memory of a recent rally in Kitengela that descended into violence has also added to growing fears that tensions could spill over in Kakamega.
What It Means for the Kakamega Rally
As political supporters prepare to converge at Amalemba Grounds, the spotlight now shifts to how both organisers and law enforcement will manage the day.
While political rallies remain a constitutional right, authorities have made it clear that any breach of public order will attract firm action.
For now, the Kakamega Rally stands at the crossroads of political mobilisation and security enforcement — with the country watching closely.
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Kakamega Rally Sparks Security Standoff as Police Accuse Edwin Sifuna Team of Mobilising Armed Gangs
