Linda Mwananchi supporters brave morning cold to storm Amalemba Grounds ahead of rally
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 21, 2026Linda Mwananchi supporters have begun storming Amalemba Grounds ahead of the much-anticipated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna rally set to take place in Kakamega County.
In a video posted by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino in the early hours of Saturday, February 21, 2026, on his social media accounts, supporters were already in a frenzy, dancing all the way to the venue in anticipation of Sifuna’s arrival.
All the Linda Ground politicians have already arrived in the area, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, waiting for the big day.
Governor Fernandes Barasa has also welcomed the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and the Linda Mwananchi team for their Kakamega rally.
While speaking during an interview on a local media station on Friday, February 20, 2026, the governor, who also serves as the chair of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kakamega County, stated that despite being allied to the Oburu Odinga-led ODM Linda ground faction, he is not opposed to the rival Sifuna group holding a rally with Kakamega residents.
He went on to say that the ODM party is a democratic organisation, and even if he were opposed to the Sifuna team, he would not interfere with their engagement with the Kakamega people but would allow the democratic process in ODM to take place.
However, he insisted that the rally should be peaceful and devoid of insults or name-calling.
Police remarks
Speaking to the media on Friday, February 20, 2026, the eve of the planned rally, Mahoud said he had not received any official communication regarding the event and had only learned about it through social media.
He noted that no member of Sifuna’s team had approached his office to inform him about the rally or to request police security.
“We have heard on social media that the senator for Nairobi will be having a rally at Amalemba Grounds. Nobody has come to my office to inform me; we are only seeing it on social media. Nobody has come to ask for assistance.”
Linda’s ground preparations
The remarks come at a time when preparations for the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega are in top gear. Leaders allied to the faction, including Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi and Siaya Governor James Orengo, on Friday claimed there were attempts to disrupt their event.
Orengo declared that the rally would proceed with or without interference, while Osotsi stated that just as they continued with their rallies in Busia and Kitengela despite earlier chaos, they would do the same in Kakamega. He expressed confidence that residents would stand with them.
As the Linda Mwanachi will be taking place, the rival Linda ground led by Oburu Odinga will also be taking place in Siaya and is also set to be his homecoming ceremony.