'We will deal with you!' MP Atandi warns Linda Mwananchi ahead of Kisumu rally

With barely two days until the planned Linda Mwananchi political rally in Kisumu, Alego Usonga Member of Parliament Samuel Atandi has cautioned the team against what he said was disrespecting the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader Oburu Oginga.

Addressing a roadside rally in Kisumu, Atandi accused the Linda Mwananchi faction of dragging the region back into the opposition, lining up projects implemented by the government.

The legislator rallied residents to accompany him to the Sunday rally, which will be held at Owuor Grounds in Kisumu, where President William Ruto launched the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) line in March.

"I want to plead with our Kisumu people that despite our political differences, let us remain peaceful. And I want to welcome our guests but I want to tell them that they must come to Kisumu with an agenda for the people of Kisumu. If you come here to abuse our leaders, to declare some mediocre, even to declare yourself the party leader of ODM, that is illegal and we are not going to allow you," Atandi stated.

"I am pleading with you, our party leader Oburu Oginga is an old man, he cannot come to the ground to deal with these people. I, Atandi, will be here on the ground, how many of you will accompany me? We want to deal with these people here, whoever is afraid should stay home."

The Linda Mwananchi team, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and others, has been touring the country, rallying citizens to advocate for astute governance as the 2027 General Election approaches.

They have lamented the deployment of goons against their members, calling for expeditious action against the rowdy groups allegedly being weaponised by politicians.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has since reaffirmed to the Linda Mwananchi faction that security would be provided ahead of their Kisumu rally.

"On the planned meeting in Kisumu, I want to assure the committee that it will be fully secured. However, I also urge the organisers to comply with the law, including Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble but also places responsibility on organisers to ensure peace," Kanja stated while appearing before a Senate Committee on April 23, 2026.

"If we all work together, everything will proceed smoothly. From where I sit, I assure you that the meeting will be safe and secure, and those who wish to attend are free to do so. That remains the position of the National Police Service."