Ledama Olekina criticises political rallies as crowd-pleasing spectacles
By Cy Muganda, February 16, 2026Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has questioned the value of political rallies in Kenya, suggesting they amount to cheap entertainment rather than meaningful political engagement.
In a statement posted on his X account on Sunday, February 15, 2026, Ledama criticised the disruption caused by rally convoys and questioned whether such gatherings translate to genuine political supremacy.
“Amid Kenya’s boiling political temperatures today, aren’t our Sunday rallies’ SUV convoys choking highways? Doesn’t provocative music trap shoppers in narrow jams, letting pickpockets feast on desperate crowds?” Ledama asked.
Political strength
The outspoken senator questioned whether political rallies represent real political strength or merely provide a temporary spectacle.
“Does any of this really translate to political supremacy, or just cheap entertainment, where tomorrow everyone clocks back into their jobs?” he asked.
Ledama invoked classical philosophical critiques of mass gatherings to support his argument.
“Didn’t Plato warn that such mob gatherings bow to passion over reason? Didn’t Nietzsche scorn them as herd weakness masquerading as strength?” the senator stated.
Sifuna’s rally teargassed
The statement comes hours after the Edwin Sifuna-led rally in Kitengela turned chaotic, after police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse the crowd.
The event, part of the Linda Mwananchi tour, was organised by a faction of opposition leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. It drew thousands of mostly young supporters to the town in Kajiado County.
The rally began peacefully, with supporters gathering along the Nairobi-Namanga Road, causing traffic disruptions.
“When you defeat them in debate, they resort to violence. They have said they will disrupt any rally we hold,” he said earlier during a church service.
After the disruption, Sifuna thanked Kitengela residents for showing up despite what he described as harassment.
“Thank you Kitengela. In spite of all the harassment, intimidation and violence from this morning, you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment in the morning, the state goons have now teargassed a peaceful assembly and brought it to an abrupt end. We shall not relent,” he said.