Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has postponed the highly anticipated Linda Mwananchi rallies scheduled for Kisii and Keroka this Friday, saying the opposition movement will instead join Kenyans across the country in commemorating victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests during the June 25 anniversary events.

In a statement hared on X account on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, Sifuna said the decision was made to allow members, supporters and leaders allied to the movement to stand in solidarity with families who lost loved ones during last year’s anti-government protests.

Rallies pushed to July 3

“We wish to inform our members, supporters and the public at large that the Linda Mwananchi Kisii and Keroka rallies scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 have been postponed to Friday, July 3, 2026,” Sifuna announced.

He added that the movement had chosen to prioritize remembrance activities linked to the June 25 demonstrations, which have become a symbol of youth resistance and demands for justice following the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

“We will join other Kenyans of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Gen-Z protests of 2024 and their families and in remembrance of those who were killed or have forcefully disappeared,” he stated.

Fear of police brutality during memorials

Sifuna further raised concern over what he termed possible state-sponsored violence during the planned commemorations, warning supporters to remain vigilant amid fears of unlawful arrests.

“We are alert to potential police and state-sponsored brutality and violence against the victims and their families during the commemoration activities. We reasonably anticipate unlawful arrests during the peaceful commemoration events,” he said.

The Nairobi senator also called on police to guarantee security for all Kenyans expected to participate in the nationwide memorial activities.

“We call upon the police to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens who will participate in the peaceful commemoration activities,” Sifuna added.

Gusii tour had been key opposition strategy

The postponement comes barely days after the Linda Mwananchi movement announced plans to take its political mobilisation campaign to Kisii and Nyamira counties on June 26 as part of wider opposition efforts to build momentum ahead of the 2027 General Election.

The Gusii tour had been viewed as politically significant, with opposition leaders targeting the region amid the growing influence of former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i and renewed calls for a united front against President William Ruto.

The rescheduled rallies are now expected to take place on July 3 after the June 25 nationwide Gen Z memorial events.