Linda Mwananchi in Nyahururu: Kang’ata, Osotsi attend service ahead of rally
By Sharon Atieno, July 12, 2026Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi joined worshippers at AIPCA Nyahururu Cathedral on Sunday, July 12, 2026, as the opposition kicked off the much-anticipated Linda Mwananchi tour ahead of the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The church service marked the opening of the day’s programme, which includes a town procession and a public rally as opposition leaders intensify mobilisation just days before voters head to the ballot on July 16, 2026. Other leaders in attendance are Anthony Kibagendi and Linda Mwananchi’s spokesperson Caroli Omondi, among others.
Church service opens Nyahururu programme
The service brought together opposition leaders and supporters in a show of unity before the political engagements scheduled across Nyahururu town.
The Linda Mwananchi movement is expected to use the tour to rally support for the opposition-backed candidate in the Ol Kalou by-election, a contest that has evolved into a major political test ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The opposition has maintained that the Nyahururu mobilisation is aimed at strengthening grassroots support while reinforcing coalition unity during the final stretch of the campaign.
Kuria backs Nyahururu tour
The church service came just hours after former Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria publicly welcomed the Linda Mwananchi tour, revealing that he had spoken to Governor Kang’ata to express solidarity.
In a statement shared on his X account on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Kuria said Kenya must protect democratic space and political competition.
“We fully welcome Linda Mwananchi to Nyahururu today. I have called my brother Governor Kang’ata to express solidarity. We must guard and protect our democratic space and avoid monolithic dictatorship,” Kuria said.
He also criticised former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, claiming he was uncomfortable with the emergence of alternative political leaders in the Mt Kenya region.
Focus remains on Ol Kalou
The Nyahururu activities followed another show of opposition unity earlier on Sunday, July 12, 2026, when Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo attended a church service at St Joseph’s Catholic Cathedral in Kisumu before leaders converged in Nyahururu.
The opposition hopes the twin displays of unity will boost momentum ahead of the July 16 Ol Kalou by-election, which has attracted national attention as UDA, the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) and the broader opposition seek to strengthen their influence in Mt Kenya ahead of the 2027 General Election