By Miraj Guo,June 23, 2026
The Linda Mwananchi movement has announced the postponement of its planned political rallies in Kisii and Keroka, saying the decision has been made to allow supporters to join national commemorations marking victims of the 2024 Gen-Z protests, while also raising concerns over the country’s political and security climate ahead of the events.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the movement confirmed that the rallies, which were initially scheduled for Friday, June 26, will now be held on July 3, 2026. The group said the shift in schedule is intended to align its activities with what it described as a moment of national reflection and solidarity with families affected by the 2024 protests.
According to the movement, the Gen-Z protests remain one of the most defining youth-led movements in Kenya’s recent political history, and commemorations should be treated with sensitivity and respect. It said its leadership and supporters will participate in remembrance events for those who lost their lives or were reported missing during the demonstrations.
“We will join other Kenyans of goodwill in standing in solidarity with victims and their families, and in remembering those who were killed or forcefully disappeared during the Gen-Z protests of 2024,” the statement read in part.
At the same time, the movement expressed concern over what it termed as a tense political environment surrounding the planned commemorations. It warned that participants in peaceful remembrance events could face heightened security operations, including possible arrests and confrontations with law enforcement officers.
The group called on security agencies to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional rights during the planned nationwide activities, urging that citizens be allowed to express themselves peacefully without intimidation.
Linda Mwananchi further urged the National Police Service to ensure adequate protection for all participants during the commemorations, emphasizing that the right to peaceful assembly must be safeguarded.
Beyond the Gen-Z commemoration issue, the movement also weighed in on ongoing political tensions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), particularly recent reports of internal leadership disputes involving party officials.
The organization noted that it had received information regarding the removal of ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), describing the move as controversial and potentially inconsistent with earlier court interpretations on internal party discipline.
According to the statement, the group intends to closely follow the legal developments surrounding the matter and may pursue legal action if necessary, arguing that internal party decisions must adhere strictly to constitutional and procedural requirements.
The movement said it believes political parties must respect the rule of law and internal democracy, warning that disputes handled outside proper legal frameworks risk undermining public confidence in political institutions.
Meanwhile, political analysts say the postponement of the Kisii and Keroka rallies reflects a broader effort by emerging political movements to position themselves within national conversations on governance, justice, and accountability, especially as Kenya prepares for heightened political activity ahead of upcoming electoral cycles.
The postponed rallies are now expected to take place on July 3, 2026, as earlier announced.
