Linda Mwananchi rally in Kisii grinds to a halt as Babu Owino, Orengo arrive
By Mabonga Makhanu, July 3, 2026Embakasi East Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino has brought the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kitutu Chache South, Kisii, to a temporary stop after arriving alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The event is taking place in Kitutu Chache South on Friday, July 3, 2026, where they were being hosted by area MP Anthony Kibagendi, who also doubles as one of the popular faces of the movement, which largely comprises ODM rebels from the ODM party.
The meeting had already begun before the two politicians arrived, with all the people rushing to surround the two leaders, forcing the speaker to stop and allow the situation to settle.
The Linda Mwananchi movement is set for an eventful day in the Gusii region. After the Kitutu Chache South chapter, they are scheduled for another function in Keumbu, then Keroka, and finally Kisii Town for their closing outreach rally.
The movement has also received a huge boost following the attendance of presidential aspirant David Maraga, who attended the event amid growing speculation over whether he intends to officially join the movement in their joint quest to unseat President William Ruto.
Maraga-Kangata meeting
The ex-CJ had an earlier meeting with a section of Linda Mwananchi leaders led by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata. The meeting, which took place at an undisclosed location in Kisii ahead of the movement’s rally, immediately attracted attention due to the caliber of leaders in attendance and its timing.
Shortly after the meeting, Maraga shared a poster on his social media platforms inviting residents to attend the Linda Mwananchi event in Kisii. While he did not indicate whether he had formally joined the movement, his decision to promote the rally added to growing speculation about his political direction.
Kang’ata fuels speculation
The second development came from Governor Kang’ata, who further fuelled the debate after posting on his social media pages that Maraga had joined what he referred to as ‘Linda Kisii.’
However, the governor did not elaborate on whether he meant that Maraga had formally joined the wider Linda Mwananchi movement or was simply participating in the day’s activities.
The two developments have generated widespread discussion, particularly because they come at a time when Maraga has repeatedly stated that he is willing to work with any like-minded opposition leaders committed to ensuring President William Ruto serves only one term.
In recent weeks, Maraga has maintained that defeating President Ruto in the 2027 general election will require a united opposition front rather than individual political ambitions. He has also indicated that he is prepared to shelve his own presidential ambitions if doing so would help unite the opposition behind a single candidate capable of unseating the incumbent.