A tense moment unfolded at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega County today when tear gas was lobbed near the podium during the ongoing Linda Mwananchi rally, briefly interrupting proceedings as Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addressed thousands of supporters.

The incident occurred moments after Sifuna took the stage to speak at the event, part of the nationwide Linda Mwananchi Tour organized by leaders allied to a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).

Video footage that circulated show a canister landing close to the podium, causing temporary chaos as smoke spread through the crowd.

Undeterred, Senator Sifuna urged attendees to remain calm and stay put. In viral clips circulating on social media and local broadcasts, he declared, “Hatutoroki leo! Zima hiyo kitu, mkutano iendelee,” he said.

He instructed supporters to cover their faces with jackets or clothing and avoid retaliation, emphasizing peaceful conduct while insisting the rally would proceed uninterrupted.

The crowd largely held its ground, with some reports indicating that the individual responsible for throwing the canister was quickly apprehended and dealt with by attendees. After a short disruption, calm was restored, and the program resumed.

Sifuna’s camp includes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and others.

Governor Orengo, in his address to the energized gathering, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to political reform, stating that they would bring meaningful change to Kenya despite attempts to disrupt their mobilization efforts.

On his part, MP Babu Owino said, the Linda Mwananchi faction is ready to ‘die’ for the country.

He posted on X, ”UNBOWED! Today, we are willing to die on this stage, if only to liberate Kenyans!. We will not relent! We will not fear! We are unbowed!”