Teargas disrupts Linda Mwananchi rally in Meru as leaders endorse Sifuna presidency

The meeting was temporarily stopped as supporters scampered for safety. 

The leaders, who staged a series of meetings, endorsed Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to contest the presidency amid disquiet following a declaration by Siaya Governor James Orengo that he will rival Sifuna for the position within the movement.

The lobbing of the teargas canister comes barely a day after another member of the movement Orengo, was attacked in Migori, and a vehicle was burnt.

The opposition leaders termed the newly unveiled police uniforms "grand corruption" by President William Ruto’s administration.

The lobbing of the teargas canister comes barely a day after another member of the movement Orengo, was attacked in Migori, and a vehicle was burnt.

The explosion created commotion as supporters scampered for safety.

"Wananchi, msikimbie... hawawezi tutisha...” Sifuna told the crowd.

However, the leaders were unmoved and proceeded with the meeting.

Just 48 hours after Orengo declared his interest in the Linda Mwananchi presidential candidacy for the 2027 general election, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya led other leaders in formally endorsing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to be the flag bearer for the opposition faction.

“I officially declare here in Meru that I support my brother Edwin Sifuna,” said Babu.

“If you see someone stepping aside, know that person is a traitor... Myself and the Luhya community, our position is with Sifuna,” added Governor Natembeya.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza also endorsed Sifuna.

“All Kenyans and supporters of Linda Mwananchi have decided that we are for Sifuna, others are a no. We will not fight,” said Osotsi. “We support Sifuna to face Ruto,” added Mwangaza.

The Nairobi Senator led opposition leaders in faulting President William Ruto and the Interior Cabinet Secretary over alleged corruption in the procurement and delivery of the new police uniforms.

“Ruto, you are even embezzling funds meant for police uniforms... Ruto, you are going home to Sugoi early in the morning,” said Sifuna.

“Each uniform cost Ksh.39,000 instead of Ksh 14,000. Pure theft,” added Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale.

“This is the theft of public resources,” said Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka.

Leaders of the opposition outfit—who staged rallies in Kiiria, Githongo, Nkubu, Makutano, and Kianjai in Meru County—urged residents to register as voters in large numbers to send incumbent President William Ruto home in the 2027 general election.

The Linda Mwananchi team concluded their maiden tour of Meru County by condemning security agencies and politicians affiliated with the broad-based faction over the continued state-sponsored violence targeting opposition leaders.