The Linda Mwananchi movement has postponed its planned rallies in Kisii and Keroka to allow its members and supporters to participate in nationwide commemorations marking the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen-Z protests.
The announcement was made on Tuesday through a statement read by Suba South MP and Linda Mwananchi member Caroli Omondi. Present during the briefing were ODM Secretary General and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Wundanyi MP Dan Mwashako, Bomachoge Borabu MP Obadiah Barongo, Kitutu Chache South MP Antony Kibagendi, Kitutu Masaba MP Clive Gisairo and Kaiti MP Joshua Kimilu.
Linda Mwananchi announced that the rallies initially scheduled for June 26 would now be held on July 3.
“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. 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 movement said the postponement would enable its supporters to join families of victims and other Kenyans in honouring those who lost their lives or disappeared during the anti-government protests of June 2024.
Linda Mwananchi also raised concerns about the security of participants during the planned commemorations, warning of possible intimidation and arrests despite the events being peaceful.
“We are alert to potential police and state-sponsored brutality and violence against the victims and their families during the commemoration activities. We reasonably anticipate unlawful arrests during the peaceful commemoration events. Consequently, it will be necessary to remain vigilant and engaged during this period.”
The movement called on law enforcement agencies to uphold their constitutional duty by safeguarding all participants.
“We call upon the police to ensure the safety and protection of all citizens who will participate in the peaceful commemoration activities.”
At the same time, Linda Mwananchi criticized the government’s approach to compensating victims and families affected by the Gen-Z protests, arguing that financial assistance without accountability falls short of delivering justice.
“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 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. There is no pathway to reconciliation and a commitment never to repeat the killings and injure innocent Kenyans.”
The movement maintained that accountability for those responsible for the deaths, injuries and disappearances remains central to achieving justice and national reconciliation.
The statement also addressed internal developments within ODM, expressing support for Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna following reports that the party’s National Executive Committee had moved to remove him from the position of Secretary General.
“Finally, 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. On the face of it, the decision bears similarities with the first one in February; unprocedural, unfair and contrary to the Party’s Constitution. 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.”
Linda Mwananchi said it would challenge the decision in court, arguing that it mirrors an earlier attempt that was successfully contested earlier this year.
The lawmakers issued the statement as the preparations gather pace for June 25 commemorations expected to take place across the country in remembrance of victims of the 2024 Gen-Z protests.
