Tensions are rising ahead of Saturday’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega after Keiyo South MP Gideon Kimaiyo claimed that a teargas incident could occur during the event.

In a post on X dated February 20, 2026, Kimaiyo claimed that tear gas could be released after speeches by leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi brigade during the planned Kakamega rally, alleging that it might be concealed in a carrier bag within the crowd.

He suggested the incident would not be accidental, indicating that his remarks should be viewed as a warning rather than a prediction.

“There will be teargas after the speeches from the Linda Uhuru Brigade in Kakamega. It will surface somewhere in the crowd, neatly packed in a carrier bag. Don’t call me a prophet,” Kimaiyo said.

The Kenya Kwanza legislator’s remarks have drawn reactions from opposition leaders planning to attend the rally scheduled for Saturday, February 21.

Opposition leaders respond

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, however, has warned President William Ruto against any attempt to interfere with the event, saying disruption would undermine democracy. Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Osotsi said the opposition would rely on “people’s power” for protection.

“We saw the Linda ground holding a rally at Golf Hotel in Kakamega and no one stopped them. No one stopped them,” Osotsi said. “So we don’t expect them to come and disrupt our rally because we are doing it in peace.”

He urged Kenyans to attend the rally in large numbers, stating: “Let us all attend the meeting in Kakamega to send a message to William Ruto that your days are numbered. We cannot continue to have a regime that does not tolerate divergent opinions.”

Osotsi also cited previous incidents in Kitengela and Busia where opposition meetings faced disruptions but continued with public support.

“In Kitengela they also destroyed our dais ahead of our meeting, but the people stood with us,” he said. “I want to tell them even in Kakamega our protection is the people and people’s power cannot be stopped by anyone.”

Addressing the President directly, he added: “If you have done good things for this country, you have nothing to fear. But if you are going to stop our rally, then I want to assure you that you will be actually beginning the process to destroy this country by not allowing democracy to thrive.”

Leaders prepare for Kakamega event

The rally will be led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and feature leaders including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka. The tour will begin in Mbale before concluding at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega town.

On Friday afternoon, Siaya Governor James Orengo arrived in Kisumu to join the mobilisation team ahead of the event.

Earlier, the Linda Mwananchi truck was stoned in Kisumu’s Riat area in an incident Sifuna described as the work of “government-sponsored goons.” Still, organisers said the rally would proceed as planned.