Police deny receiving official communication on Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi rally
By Mabonga Makhanu, February 21, 2026Western Kenya Police Commander Isaak Mahoud has stated that he has yet to be formally notified about the Edwin Sifuna-led Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled to take place at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega town.
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 sk for assistance.”
Despite the lack of formal notification, the commander maintained that the police would still provide the necessary security support to ensure peace and order during the event.
“But we will assist them as much as we can tomorrow “”
Addressing the ongoing accusations between the rival factions, with the Sifuna-led team alleging that the Linda Ground group is planning to disrupt their rally, Mahoud stated that the matter appeared to be political and not a police issue.
He said he could not authoritatively confirm whether there were any plans to interfere with the rally.
“Although social media is not reliable, there are accusations and counter-accusations; those accusations have nothing to do with the police; they are purely political; it’s between them.”
He assured residents that should any security concerns arise, the police would step in to provide the required response, emphasising that their mandate is to maintain law and order.
He added that the police would use all available resources to ensure that peace prevails and that lawlessness has no space.
Mahoud further disclosed that intelligence reports indicated a group travelling from Nairobi and said security agencies were on alert.
However, he reiterated that the Sifuna team had not formally requested police protection.
Linda Mwanachi rally
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.
Governor barasa welcoming sifuna
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, although aligned with the rival Linda Ground faction, welcomed the Sifuna-led team to the county.
He said he would not interfere with their political activities but insisted that the rally must remain peaceful and free from violence.
Tension was already reported on Friday after the team’s sound truck, which had been acquired from a donor following technical challenges in previous rallies, was attacked in the Riat area while en route to Kakamega.
A group of youths stoned the vehicle, damaging its windscreen.
The leaders have since arrived in the region and are expected to begin their engagements in Mbale before proceeding to Kakamega town for the final rally at Amalemba Grounds.