Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has threatened mass protests in Kisumu if supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement continue to be targeted.

Speaking after visiting the DCI headquarters along Kiambu Road on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in the company of Siaya Governor James Orengo, where they presented a formal complaint, Babu expressed concern over what he described as the continued targeting of their supporters since the recent lakeside rally, with arrests being made one after another.

“Vile vitu ziko tunataka tuorganise maandamano makubwa Kisumu, na naambia wakaazi wa Kisumu mkiona hawa watu treat them as criminals.” Babu owino

Babu questioned why officers from Kisumu were not the ones being used to conduct arrests as required. Instead, according to him, officers from Nairobi were being deployed to arrest suspects in Kisumu. He urged residents of Kisumu to treat those involved as criminals and to stage protests against them.

Arrest of Linda Mwananchi supporters

He further claimed that during one of the operations, officers fired shots in the air and arrested two supporters who, according to him, are now missing and cannot be traced.

He also called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to assert authority and ensure that his unit is not misused.

On his part, Siaya Governor James Orengo, who also attended the press briefing, echoed similar concerns, stating that it is unlawful for officers from Nairobi to conduct arrests outside their jurisdiction without proper authorisation from local officers. He added that such actions appear to interfere with the activities of the Linda Mwananchi movement and its supporters.

Orengo defends Linda Mwananchi supporters

He defended the Kisumu supporters, stating that they had been conducting their activities in broad daylight and did not deserve to be arrested. He further urged the inspector general to act independently and not take instructions from elsewhere.

“The National Service is not supposed to be under the direction of any authority. And I repeat, on matters of its operation, the executive order comes in when there are issues of policy,” Orengo stated.

Orengo also referenced their recent Kisumu tour, saying that the large turnout demonstrated that residents are frustrated with how policing is being handled and that the rally served as a moment of relief and expression for the people.