Linda Mwananchi Aspirants Strongly Condemn Rising Political Intolerance and Violence

 
Linda Mwananchi Aspirants address the press at The Meridian Hotel, Nairobi, condemning political intolerance and rising violence across the country.

By Maximilla Wafula

 The Linda Mwananchi (LM) Aspirants movement has issued a strong statement condemning the escalating wave of political intolerance, violence, incitement, and the deliberate use of organized groups to intimidate, threaten, and disrupt citizen rights across Kenya.

 Addressing the growing concern over civil space, the movement documented a disturbing timeline of targeted attacks over the past two months. On July 3, 2026, an LM convoy was attacked in Keumbu, Kisii County, leading to the death of Vincent Osiemo, popularly known as Mapinduzi. On July 12, 2026, disruptions hit a rally in Nyahururu alongside a church service at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu attended by leaders including Party Leader James Orengo and Edwin Sifuna resulting in the death of Dickson Oduongo. Most recently, on August 16, 2026, coordinated violence in Homa Bay claimed two lives Police Officer Jim Richardson Okundi and Norin Nalwanga (Nyauganda) while leaving at least 50 others injured.

 Describing these events as a direct assault on constitutional guarantees under Articles 36, 37, 38, and 39, the coalition emphasized that political competition must never justify violence. To restore order and accountability, the movement called for immediate, independent investigations by key state oversight bodies, including the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to investigate the Homa Bay ambush, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to look into police officer collusion, and the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) to address hate speech and political incitement. They also appealed directly to young people across the country to reject payment, mobilization, or weaponization by political actors.

Reaffirming their commitment, Linda Mwananchi declared it will not be silenced or intimidated, insisting that peaceful, democratic engagement will continue unabated.