Linda Mwananchi Announces Date and Venue of Next Rally

The Linda Mwananchi movement has announced that its next rally will be held in Meru County. 

In a post on Tuesday, August 18, Linda Mwananchi said the rally will be held on Sunday, August 30. 

“There is an activity that requires a group,” Linda Mwananchi wrote. 

Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, in a statement, welcomed Linda Mwananchi to the county. 

"Meru ni sisi. Welcome," Mwangaza said. 

The announcement comes a day after the movement held a rally in Homa Bay County. 

The Linda Mwananchi rally was, however, marred by violence, injuries and destruction of vehicles and property. 

According to the National Police Service (NPS), one police officer died during the incident on Sunday. 

"Regrettably, several criminal incidents were recorded, including an attack on journalists performing their lawful duties, damage to five police vehicles deployed for public order maintenance, and damage to several civilian motor vehicles. 

“In addition, one police vehicle lost control, resulting in the death of its driver and injuries to five other officers," NPS stated. 

Police officers arrested 37 suspects in connection with the violence in Homa Bay and recovered several crude weapons. 

"A total of 37 suspected gang members have been arrested and were found in possession of various crude weapons, including machetes, ropes, metal rods, knives, rungus, batons and torches,” NPS said. 

Meanwhile, Linda Mwananchi has linked the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to the violence in Homa Bay. 

In a statement on Monday, August 17, Linda Mwananchi said its supporters apprehended a man who was travelling with some of the attackers in an unmarked vehicle. 

The movement said the circumstances surrounding the man’s presence raised questions about the coordination of those involved in the attacks. 

"In Nyandiwa, our supporters apprehended an individual who was travelling with some of the attackers in an unmarked black Toyota Prado. The circumstances surrounding his presence were consistent with the coordination of the individuals deployed against us," the statement read. 

The group said the individual identified himself as an NIS officer and that his mobile phone was seized and remains in its possession.

"Upon questioning, the individual identified himself as an officer of the National Intelligence Service. His mobile phone was taken into our custody and remains in our possession," the statement added.