Tension is building in Kakamega after the National Police Service issued a warning over possible chaos ahead of a planned rally by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
Speaking during a press briefing on Friday, February 20, Western Region Police Commander Issa Mohamud revealed that security agencies have received intelligence suggesting that certain groups could attempt to disrupt the event.
According to the regional police boss, there are claims that armed gangs may be mobilised from Nairobi to interfere with the rally.
However, Mohamud was quick to clarify that police have not received any formal communication from Sifuna’s team requesting security arrangements for the gathering.
Even so, he assured residents that officers are on high alert and fully prepared to maintain law and order.
“We will not allow any individual or group to destabilise peace in this region. We have adequate personnel on the ground,” he stated, cautioning the public against relying solely on unverified social media reports.
The warning comes at a time when political temperatures in Kakamega are steadily rising. Online exchanges, accusations and counter-accusations between rival camps have dominated local political conversations in recent days.
While distancing the police service from political battles, Mohamud emphasised that their core mandate remains public safety.
Residents across Kakamega County have been urged to remain calm and cooperate with authorities by reporting any suspicious movements or individuals.
Security agencies say they are taking preventive measures to ensure both rally attendees and ordinary citizens go about their activities without fear.
The upcoming rally is part of Sifuna’s wider mobilisation efforts in the Western region. As political activity intensifies, the message from security chiefs is clear: peaceful assembly is protected by law, but any acts of violence or lawlessness will be dealt with firmly and within the confines of the law.
All eyes are now on Kakamega as the date of the rally approaches.
