PS Omollo Guarantees Security for Linda Mwananchi Homa Bay Rally Amid Disruption Fears

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has assured the Linda Mwananchi movement of adequate security ahead of its planned political rally in Homa Bay County on Sunday, amid claims of an alleged plot to disrupt the event.

Omollo said every political group has a constitutional right to hold peaceful meetings and rallies anywhere in the country after the coalition raised concerns of possible interference a day ago. Security agencies have already taken steps to ensure the safety of participants and order at the event, he said.

The Interior PS stated that anyone who tried to disrupt, block or cause violence at the gathering would be dealt a strong blow by law enforcement agencies.

Omollo said everyone, irrespective of political formation, has a right to hold a meeting anywhere in the country but added that political issues should not be used to fight violence.

He, however, appealed to the organisers and participants of the rally to uphold the law and maintain peace during the rally.

The position is still very clear, he said, “Everyone has a right to go anywhere but they have to respect law and order.”

Omollo also warned political groups against sending people to cause chaos, noting that political violence would not be allowed.

He said that any political goonship will not be tolerated, “As a nation we must tolerate difference of opinion without violence”.

The security pledge comes after complaints by Babu Owino, Embakasi East MP, that the Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Migori Gov Ochilo Ayacko and Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma were planning to derail the rally of Linda Mwananchi.

The movement raised concerns on the alleged secret meetings of some of the leaders in Nyanza region separately. The meetings were to mobilise youths and others to disrupt the planned rally, according to the coalition.

The allegations have brought the political heat as the security situation is predicted to be a major topic of discussion as supporters make their way to Homa Bay on Sunday.

As preparations for the event went on, Siaya Governor James Orengo, one of the main organizers of the Linda Mwananchi rally, met the supporters of the movement from the counties of Migori and Homa Bay.

The coalition plans to fill political space being occupied by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), and will be seen as a platform for the political agenda of the late former opposition leader Raila Odinga, Orengo said.

He said the movement may grow to become a political party that can have a significant impact in the country’s General Election in 2027.

With ODM’s history in Kenyan presidential politics, “Linda Mwananchi will transform into a political party that will give Raila what he wanted,” Orengo said.

As the Homa Bay rally grows nearer, the question now is whether it would turn peaceful and whether the security measures announced will prevent any aspects of it from being disruptive. The event is also expected to give a strong hint about the political ambitions of the rising young star, Linda Mwananchi, ahead of the elections in 2027.