NPS lauds Linda Mwananchi's Nairobi rally as 'blueprint for political conduct'

In a statement on Wednesday, the police said that the Senator Edwin Sifuna-led faction was conducted in accordance with the law, terming it the "blueprint for future political conduct".

"What was witnessed on Sunday is precisely what the National Police Service has consistently advocated: that we can exercise our constitutional freedoms peacefully and within the law," the statement read in part.

"We commend members of the public for their cooperation, maturity and adherence to established protocols."

NPS acknowledged that the faction demonstrated how a political function should take place without encouraging violence, as witnessed in previous events.

The security body has encouraged politicians and their parties to borrow a leaf from Linda Mwananchi and put an end to the long-witnessed vice of having violent political engagements.

"The Jacaranda rally demonstrates that political expression can take place without violence or disruption of public order," NPS said.

"We therefore encourage all political leaders, supporters and stakeholders to make this the standard for future political engagements."

The Sifuna-led faction triumphantly stormed Nairobi on Sunday to engage with their supporters alongside party honchos Embakasi Member of Parliament Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Senators Richard Onyonka (Kisii) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), among others.

The team has been regarded as a formidable opposition force challenging President William Ruto's administration, vowing to oust him in the 2027 General Election.

This comes amid a series of violent clashes in political campaigns across the country, as sponsored youth have been used to disrupt gatherings, and some have ended with deaths and destruction of property.

Linda Mwananchi has fallen victim to the attacks, with the most recent being in Homa Bay County on August 19, as party leaders termed it a coordinated attack.