Former Makueni Governor Prof Kivutha Kibwana on Sunday condemned the teargas disruption at Saturday’s Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega, saying the incident will not deter what he termed a growing movement for economic and political change.
Addressing the sad events on X, Prof Kibwana stated: “No one can teargas a revolution. We can smell the third economic liberation. James Orengo, kudos for supporting the #FreshYoungTurks. May other Second Liberation veterans come forth to lend a hand. Freedom is coming.”
His remarks came after heavy security and a tense atmosphere marked the rally at Amalemba Grounds, where thousands had gathered to hear leaders linked to the faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) opposed to the party’s cooperation framework with President William Ruto’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Saturday’s event saw senior figures including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi draw large crowds.
As Sifuna prepared to speak, teargas canisters were deployed near the stage, prompting momentary confusion among supporters.
Police said they had not received formal notice of the rally and cited intelligence of potential security threats; attendees and organisers accused plain‑clothes officers of firing the gas.
Despite the disruption, Sifuna urged calm and restraint, and the rally proceeded without mass dispersal.
Separately, a man believed to be attempting to disrupt proceedings was assaulted by some youths; Sifuna and Owino intervened to remove the injured individual toward medical care.
Prof Kibwana framed the events as evidence of a wider public desire for change, urging seasoned political leaders to support younger voices in shaping Kenya’s economic and political future.
His comments signal a deepening narrative among some opposition figures that state action against political gatherings reflects resistance to reform rather than neutral enforcement.
The Linda Mwananchi tour, temporarily paused from its next scheduled leg in Mombasa, now faces renewed attention following both the Kakamega disruption and Kibwana’s intervention.