NAIROBI, Kenya, June 23, 2026 — Linda Mwananchi has postponed its highly anticipated Kisii and Keroka rallies to join nationwide commemorations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests, while simultaneously preparing a fresh court battle over the controversial removal of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna.
The movement announced on Monday that the rallies, initially scheduled for June 26, will now take place on July 3, 2026, as supporters join other Kenyans in honoring victims of the protests that left dozens dead, injured, or missing.
“We wish to inform our members, supporters and the public at large that the Linda Mwananchi Kisii and Keroka rallies scheduled for Friday, June 26, 2026 have been postponed to Friday, July 3, 2026,” the statement read.
According to the movement, the decision was reached to allow members and supporters to participate in activities commemorating victims of the Gen Z protests, which became one of the defining political moments in recent Kenyan history.
“We will join other Kenyans of goodwill to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Gen-Z protests of 2024 and their families and in remembrance of those who were killed or have forcefully disappeared,” the statement said.
June 25 Commemorations and Security Concerns
As preparations intensify for June 25 memorial events across the country, Linda Mwananchi warned of possible intimidation, violence, and arrests targeting participants attending peaceful commemorations.
“We are alert to potential police and state-sponsored brutality and violence against the victims and their families during the commemoration activities,” the movement stated.
The group further claimed it anticipates arrests despite the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
“We reasonably anticipate unlawful arrests during the peaceful commemoration events. Consequently, it will be necessary to remain vigilant and engaged during this period,” the statement added.
The movement urged police officers to uphold the Constitution and protect all participants taking part in the remembrance activities.
“We call upon the police to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens who will participate in the peaceful commemoration activities,” it said.
Linda Mwananchi Faults Government Compensation Plan
The movement also took issue with the government’s handling of compensation for victims of the Gen Z protests and their families, arguing that financial assistance alone cannot replace truth, justice, and accountability.
“We are deeply disappointed by the government’s decision to offer limited monetary assistance to the victims and their families without ensuring that justice is done and accountability upheld,” the statement read.
Linda Mwananchi further questioned the transparency of the compensation process and criticized what it described as the exclusion of constitutionally mandated oversight institutions.
“The lack of transparency in the compensation process and government refusal to allow the constitutionally mandated bodies to oversee the process, is compounding the pain of the victims and their families,” the movement said.
According to the group, meaningful reconciliation can only occur if those responsible are held accountable and safeguards are put in place to prevent a repeat of the violence witnessed during the protests.
“There is no pathway to reconciliation and a commitment never to repeat the killings and injure innocent Kenyans,” the statement added.
Fresh Court Battle Looms Over Edwin Sifuna’s Removal
In a development likely to deepen tensions within ODM, Linda Mwananchi also confirmed that it intends to challenge in court the latest decision by the ODM National Executive Committee (NEC) purporting to remove Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna from office.
The movement said the decision resembles an earlier attempt made in February that was subsequently challenged.
“Late last evening, we were made aware of the decision by the ODM Party NEC purporting, for the second time, to remove the SG Hon. Edwin Sifuna from Office,” the statement said.
Linda Mwananchi argued that the latest move appears to violate ODM’s internal constitution and established procedures.
“On the face of it, the decision bears similarities with the first one in February; unprocedural, unfair and contrary to the Party’s Constitution,” the statement stated.
Following consultations with its legal team on Monday morning, the movement said it had resolved to return to court.
“After consultation with our legal teams earlier this morning, it has been decided to once again test the propriety of the purported ouster in the courts because we are convinced it should suffer the same fate as the first one in February,” the statement added.
Political Temperatures Rising
The postponement of the Kisii and Keroka rallies, the upcoming June 25 Gen Z anniversary commemorations, and the escalating dispute surrounding Edwin Sifuna’s position within ODM are expected to dominate political discourse in the coming days.
With nationwide memorial activities planned and a fresh legal challenge now on the horizon, attention is likely to focus on both the government’s response to calls for justice for Gen Z protest victims and the unfolding leadership contest within ODM.
Do you want to be published? Email info@thedailywhistle.co.ke or WhatsApp 0721930260
You can support this publication via M-Pesa Till Number: 6166112.