Teargas Disrupts Linda Mwananchi Rally in Meru as Leaders Back Sifuna for 2027

A Linda Mwananchi public rally in Meru was briefly disrupted after a teargas canister was thrown into the crowd during a meeting at Makutano in Meru town.

The incident caused confusion as attendees moved away from the affected area. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna urged supporters not to panic, after which the meeting resumed.

The disruption came amid growing political activity within the Linda Mwananchi movement, with several leaders endorsing Sifuna as their preferred presidential candidate for the 2027 General Election.

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya were among the leaders who publicly declared their support for Sifuna. Babu said in Meru that he backed Sifuna, while Natembeya said he and the Luhya community supported the Nairobi senator.

Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi and former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza also expressed support for Sifuna’s presidential bid.

The endorsements came two days after Siaya Governor James Orengo indicated that he would seek the Linda Mwananchi presidential nomination, introducing a new dimension to the political contest within the movement.

The Meru incident also followed an attack on Orengo in Migori, where a vehicle was reportedly set ablaze. Leaders have raised concerns over political freedoms and the safety of opposition figures during their ongoing countrywide engagements.

During the Meru meeting, the leaders also criticised the recently unveiled police uniforms, with some describing the procurement process as a matter requiring scrutiny.

Despite the disruption, the Linda Mwananchi leaders continued with their engagements in Meru as the movement seeks to consolidate its political support ahead of the 2027 elections.