CBRN event in Kenya on Sun 30th August 2026

A Linda Mwananchi rally in Makutano, Meru County, was briefly disrupted on Sunday after police lobbed teargas into the crowd, forcing some supporters to scatter as leaders addressed the gathering. The incident occurred during the movement’s Meru tour, which brought together Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, and other opposition leaders. Despite the disruption, Sifuna remained defiant and vowed that the use of teargas would not bring the meeting to an end. “Hakuna siku tear gas itamaliza mkutano wa Linda Mwananchi,” Sifuna said, as the rally continued. The Meru event is part of Linda Mwananchi’s ongoing grassroots mobilisation campaign ahead of the 2027 General Election. The movement has been taking its political message to different parts of the country, with Sifuna emerging as one of its leading figures. Sifuna used the Meru rally to intensify his criticism, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises made during the 2022 election campaign. He challenged the President to focus on delivering his current mandate instead of pursuing a new long‑term development blueprint. Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka challenged Sifuna to uphold the interests of Kenyans and protect public resources if he eventually becomes president. “Kakangu Sifuna ukiwa rais wa nchi ya Kenya, usiuwe watu, usiibe mali ya umma, usisahau hawa watu hapa hivi,” Onyonka said. Onyonka further urged Sifuna to ensure Kenya remained a country of dignity and respect if he takes over the country’s leadership. The rally also marked a significant political appearance for Mwangaza, who has aligned herself with the movement and hosted the delegation in Meru. The disruption came against the backdrop of growing tensions surrounding the movement’s rallies. Its previous engagements in Homa Bay and Migori were also marred by tense standoffs and violence. Ahead of Sunday’s Meru tour, Mwangaza had called for security agencies to protect the leaders and supporters after some youths threatened to oppose her participation in the rallies.