A Linda Mwananchi political rally in Makutano, Meru County, was briefly disrupted by teargas on Sunday, August 30, as opposition leaders intensified their grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged supporters to remain calm as the gathering resumed after the smoke cleared.
Highlights
- Police used teargas during a Linda Mwananchi rally in Meru.
- Edwin Sifuna told supporters the disruption would not stop the meeting.
- Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza hosted the gathering.
- Babu Owino and other opposition leaders attended the event.
- The movement has faced several disruptions during recent grassroots tours.
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Teargas interrupts Meru rally
A political gathering linked to the Linda Mwananchi movement was briefly thrown into confusion after police fired teargas at supporters in Makutano, Meru County.
The incident happened as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other opposition figures addressed a crowd during the movement’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation.
As teargas canisters landed near supporters, Sifuna appealed for calm and encouraged the crowd to allow the effects of the gas to subside before continuing with the meeting.
The rally eventually resumed after the disruption.
Sifuna steps up attack on Ruto
Sifuna used the Meru gathering to criticise President William Ruto’s political messaging during the 2022 General Election.
He argued that the policies and campaign promises associated with Ruto’s previous campaign had left many Kenyans struggling, while urging supporters to rally behind the opposition.
The senator also embraced the opposition’s “Wantam” slogan, presenting it as a direct political response to Ruto’s “hustler” branding that featured prominently during the 2022 campaign.
His remarks drew a strong response from supporters attending the gathering.
Mwangaza backs Sifuna
The Meru event was hosted by former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, who has thrown her support behind Sifuna’s reported presidential ambitions for 2027.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino was among the other opposition figures present.
The gathering began with supporters presenting Sifuna with locally produced farm items, including yams, maize, cassava and potatoes.
He was also handed a gas cylinder carrying a political message calling for President Ruto to leave office.
Before the event, Mwangaza had appealed for adequate security during Linda Mwananchi activities in Meru, citing concerns about possible disruptions in parts of Igembe.
Movement faces growing disruptions
The incident in Meru comes amid a series of disruptions reported during Linda Mwananchi engagements across the country.
On Saturday, August 29, a meeting involving Siaya Governor James Orengo in Migori was disrupted by teargas. A vehicle in his convoy was later set on fire in Awendo.
The movement’s Homa Bay tour on August 16 also descended into violence, with roadblocks, burning tyres and attacks reported around the entourage. Two people died during the unrest, including a police officer.
Another incident was reported in July when youths reportedly pelted a political convoy with stones along the Kisii-Keroka road. Several vehicles were damaged, including one carrying former Chief Justice David Maraga.
2027 political temperatures rise
Despite the disruptions, opposition leaders associated with Linda Mwananchi have continued taking their message to different parts of the country.
The movement is seeking to establish a wider grassroots presence as political parties and potential alliances begin positioning themselves ahead of the 2027 elections.
The repeated incidents at political gatherings are also putting renewed focus on security during public meetings and the government’s responsibility to prevent political violence.
For now, leaders behind Linda Mwananchi appear determined to continue their mobilisation, even as tensions around their public engagements remain high.
With the 2027 political race already taking shape, disruptions such as the one witnessed in Meru raise a bigger question: can Kenya’s political competition remain vigorous without once again turning violent?
