Kakamega police have said they were not formally notified about the Linda Wananchi rally organised by embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, setting up a dispute with party leaders who insist due process was followed.
Western Regional police commander Issa Mohmud stated that his office had not received any written communication regarding the Saturday meeting scheduled at Amalemba Grounds.
“The police have not received any formal request for the meeting. We are ready to act against any situation that may threaten the stability, peace, and safety of locals and their property,” Mohmud said.
He noted that information about the rally reached security officers through online platforms rather than official channels.
“We have heard of a rally organised by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna and his faction of ODM at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega tomorrow. We picked this information from social media. No one has come to my office to request our assistance, but we will assist them as much as we can. We will disperse the gathering if it breaks the existing laws of the country,” he added.
Mohmud said the police would not interfere with any lawful gathering but would act if public order was threatened.
“I don’t want to speculate but we will step in if there is any problem,” Mohmud said.
On Friday evening, a truck mounted with loudspeakers was seen moving around Amalemba estates announcing the rally and urging residents to attend.
However, ODM deputy party leader Godfrey Osotsi dismissed the police claims, saying the Linda Wananchi team had formally informed the police in writing about their intention to hold the meeting.
Osotsi said the authorities appeared uneasy about the activities of Linda Wananchi, which he noted had been attracting public attention.
On Friday evening, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Osotsi alleged that some senior government officials could be planning to interfere with the Saturday rally.
Osotsi stressed that the Constitution guarantees citizens the right to assemble, speak freely and associate without intimidation.
Mohmud declined to comment on online claims suggesting there could be attempts to disrupt the event.
“I have seen reports online about plans by various politicians regarding the rally. As police, we are not part of politics, so I cannot speak authoritatively on that,” he said.
“Our role is purely to maintain peace. We will use all means within our reach to ensure safety and prevent lawlessness,” Mohmud added.
The disagreement between security officials and ODM leaders now casts focus on the planned Amalemba gathering, with both sides standing firm on their positions ahead of the rally.
