Linda Mwananchi has announced the postponement of its Kisii and Keroka rallies initially scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026, pushing the events to Friday, July 3, 2026.
The movement says the adjustment is intended to align with national remembrance activities honouring victims of the 2024 Gen-Z protests, including those killed or forcibly disappeared.
In its statement, Linda Mwananchi said it will join other Kenyans of goodwill in standing in solidarity with affected families during the commemoration period. The group described the anniversary as a moment of reflection on alleged state violence and unresolved injustices linked to the protests.
Security Concerns Ahead of Commemoration Events
However, the organisation also raised concerns over what it termed a heightened risk of police and state-linked brutality during the commemorative events. It warned that there is a reasonable expectation of unlawful arrests targeting participants in what it insists will be peaceful gatherings.
The group further called on the National Police Service to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens attending the remembrance events, stressing that the right to peaceful assembly must be respected.
On governance issues, Linda Mwananchi criticised the government’s approach to compensating victims of the 2024 protests. It argued that while monetary assistance has been proposed, it falls short of delivering justice and accountability.
The movement also faulted what it termed a lack of transparency in the compensation framework and the exclusion of constitutionally mandated oversight bodies from the process. According to the group, these gaps continue to deepen the pain experienced by victims’ families and undermine prospects for national reconciliation.
Separately, Linda Mwananchi addressed internal political developments involving the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), specifically the party’s National Executive Committee decision to once again remove Secretary-General Hon. Edwin Sifuna.
Linda Mwananchi described the decision as procedurally flawed, unfair, and inconsistent with the party’s constitution. It confirmed that, following legal consultation, it intends to challenge the ouster in court, arguing that it mirrors a previous attempt in February that was also contested.
