Linda Mwananchi brigade takes 'meet the people tour' to Kisumu

The brigade, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East Member of Parliament Babu Owino and other political top shots will meet their supporters in KaOwuor grounds after attending a service in Nyaori-Nyalenda. 

Their visit comes after holding a similar tour in Vihiga County on Saturday, making stop overs in Shamkhokho market, Majengo market and Luanda town.

Kisumu's visit however comes amid tensions, as Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi has cautioned the team against what he said was disrespecting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga.

According to Atandi, the faction is dragging the Lake region back into the opposition, warning them against censuring the region's revered leaders to spark political divisions.

"And I want to welcome our guests but I want to tell them that they must come to Kisumu with an agenda for the people of Kisumu. If you come here to abuse our leaders, to declare some mediocre, even to declare yourself the party leader of ODM, that is illegal and we are not going to allow you," Atandi stated on April 24.

"I am pleading with you, our party leader Oburu Oginga is an old man, he cannot come to the ground to deal with these people. I, Atandi, will be here on the ground, how many of you will accompany me? We want to deal with these people here, whoever is afraid should stay home."

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has reaffirmed the faction of a safe political rally amid a spike in deployment of goons in public gatherings.

Speaking before the Senate Defence Committee on April 23, IG Kanja said that the police force is cracking down on the rising cases of goon attacks and has rounded up their secret operations.

He maintained that security forces will ensure that the planned political function in Kisumu, which is part of the faction's nationwide tour, will remain protected.

"The meeting will be fully secured, but I equally request the organisers to follow the law so that they also show responsibility to ensure there is peace. Those who want to attend will attend," he said.

The Linda Mwananchi leaders have lamented the deployment of goons against their members, calling for an expeditious action against the rowdy groups allegedly being weaponised by politicians.