Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna’s grassroots mobilisation tour in Western Kenya took a new turn on Sunday night after he held a rally in Kakamega, prompting concerns over his safety and the suitability of holding political gatherings after dark.
Sifuna has spent the past several days touring Kakamega and Busia counties as part of the Linda Mwananchi movement’s efforts to expand its grassroots reach ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The senator’s Sunday programme included several public engagements across Kakamega, with the tour culminating in Lumakanda, where he addressed residents at night.
While the rallies have attracted attention as Sifuna and his allies seek to strengthen their political network, the decision to hold night meetings has raised concerns among some supporters and observers.
Watoto Wasome ambassador Ndung’u Nyoro publicly cautioned Sifuna against continuing with the practice, citing security concerns as the country moves closer to the 2027 elections.
In a message directed at the senator, Nyoro acknowledged Sifuna’s energy and commitment to grassroots mobilisation, noting that he had traversed towns across Kakamega and Busia in recent days.
However, Nyoro said the night rallies were not in Sifuna’s best interests or those of Kenyans supporting his political activities.
“Your safety should be every Kenyan’s concern and priority,” Nyoro stated, urging the senator to reconsider holding public meetings after darkness.
He specifically asked Sifuna to avoid night rallies, warning that the political environment would become increasingly sensitive as the country approaches the next General Election.
Nyoro further appealed to Sifuna to treat the Lumakanda gathering as his final night political meeting.
“Please keep safe for us. Please avoid darkness. Please fear darkness,” Nyoro said, expressing hope that the senator would consider the concerns raised.
Sifuna has emerged as one of the prominent figures behind the Linda Mwananchi mobilisation drive, which has been holding public engagements across different parts of the country.
The Kakamega tour has provided the Nairobi senator and his allies with an opportunity to interact directly with residents as political parties and emerging alliances begin laying the groundwork for the 2027 contest.
The concerns over night rallies also come against a broader backdrop of heightened political activity, making the safety of politicians during grassroots engagements an increasingly important consideration.