Police Commander Claims Armed Goons Have Been Ferried From Nairobi-Kakamega, Ahead of Sifuna Rally
Kakamega, Kenya – Western Region Police Commander Issa Muhamoud has alleged that armed individuals have been ferried from Nairobi to Kakamega ahead of a rally organised by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, raising tensions in the county just hours before the event.
Speaking to the media on Friday, February 20, Muhamoud claimed intelligence reports had indicated that rifles were being transported into Kakamega to provide security for the rally. He further stated that his office had not received any formal notification from organisers regarding the planned gathering.
“We never received any formal communication from Senator Sifuna informing us of the planned rally. What we saw were posts circulating on social media,” Muhamoud said.
Police Preparedness
The commander pledged that police would act decisively to prevent any lawlessness, stressing that maintaining peace remained the service’s top priority.
“Wherever there is a problem, the police will provide a solution and take action where necessary. Our role is to maintain peace to the greatest extent possible. We will use all available measures to ensure order and will not tolerate any form of lawlessness,” he stated.
Muhamoud added that sufficient personnel had already been deployed in Kakamega, with reinforcements available if needed.
“I have sufficient police personnel, and if more are needed, additional officers will be deployed,” he emphasised.
Background of Tensions
His remarks follow an incident earlier in the week when Sifuna’s Linda Mwananchi convoy was attacked at Kona Mbaya trading centre. Witnesses reported that a stone was hurled at one of the vehicles, sparking panic among supporters.
The attack heightened tensions ahead of the Kakamega rally, which is part of a series of opposition gatherings under the Linda Mwananchi banner. The movement has accused the government of attempting to suppress its activities through intimidation and disruption.
Sifuna’s Response
In response to the allegations, Senator Sifuna insisted that he would not bow to pressure and vowed to proceed with the rally as scheduled.
“We shall not relent. We will still head to Kakamega for the rally despite the intimidation,” Sifuna said.
Sifuna has maintained that police were duly notified of the Kakamega rally, disputing claims by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen and regional commanders that no official communication was received.
Broader Implications
The standoff between opposition leaders and security agencies underscores growing political tensions in Kenya, with rallies increasingly becoming flashpoints for confrontation. Analysts warn that repeated disruptions risk eroding public trust in state institutions and inflaming divisions ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Human rights groups are expected to weigh in, particularly on the allegations of armed individuals being ferried to rallies and the use of police force against opposition supporters.
Conclusion
As Kakamega braces for the Linda Mwananchi rally, the allegations of armed goons and the police commander’s stern warnings highlight the fragile balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding constitutional freedoms. With Senator Sifuna vowing to press ahead, the rally is likely to serve as another test of Kenya’s democratic space and the government’s handling of political dissent.
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Police Commander Claims Armed Goons Have Been Ferried From Nairobi-Kakamega, Ahead of Sifuna Rally
