Tension ran high in Kakamega town on Saturday, February 21, 2026, as a heavy police presence and widespread business closures preceded the "Linda Mwananchi" political rally led by embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. Anti-riot police mounted roadblocks on major streets and took positions at key junctions, conducting spot checks on vehicles, while patrol vehicles cruised through the central business district. Most supermarkets and small businesses remained shuttered, with traders citing fears of potential clashes. Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud stated that authorities had not received formal notification of the rally and warned that police would intervene if any laws were violated, dismissing social media claims of political plots to disrupt the event as mere political games.

As the day progressed, groups of youths gathered in various parts of Kakamega, chanting slogans. Tensions briefly escalated in the Anditi area where some youths lit bonfires on the road, disrupting traffic before police intervened. A "showdown" loomed as two opposing groups converged: one supporting the "Linda Mwananchi" tour with the "One Term" slogan championed by Sifuna, and another, the "Broad-based wing," supporting a "Two-Term" slogan spearheaded by President William Ruto's allies and ODM leader Oburu Oginga. Witnesses reported seeing the rival group, allegedly allied to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa and led by Deputy Governor Ayub Savula, carrying crude weapons like rungus and openly receiving money as they moved through town, chanting rival slogans.

The rally at Amalemba Grounds in Kakamega was marked by dramatic scenes as youths defied teargas lobbed by police. Earlier in the morning, Sifuna's supporters at Amalemba Grounds had reportedly chased away a private vehicle with police officers, compelling the officers to deploy teargas. Despite these attempts to disperse the crowd, supporters quickly regrouped, standing their ground and chanting slogans. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, in a fiery address, declared that nothing—neither teargas, hot water, nor the government—would stop the rally, drawing cheers. He specifically told Siaya Governor Oburu Oginga to "keep the party alone for us and leave," accusing unnamed individuals of exploiting youths for selfish political interests. Owino also stated they were prepared to face the worst, even to die in Kakamega, to defend their political stand.

ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna urged his supporters to remain resolute, telling them, "Let them throw more if they want to; this meeting is ours, and we will be the ones to finish it." He repeatedly called for calm and restraint, cautioning the crowd against confronting law enforcement officers, advising them to "just cover it with your jacket" if teargas was thrown. However, tension briefly escalated when at least two youths attempted to disrupt the meeting, resulting in them being confronted and assaulted by sections of the crowd. Sifuna and Babu Owino intervened, appealing for calm, and the individuals were eventually rescued, taken to the podium for protection, and later hospitalized. Despite the disruptions, the rally continued with residents maintaining a heavy but defiant presence.

Later the same day, similar tensions gripped Mbale town in Vihiga County, where Sifuna's team was expected to hold another rally. Violence erupted when rival groups confronted each other, hurling stones and other objects, with clashes reportedly triggered by competing "one term" and "two terms" chants. At least one youth was left injured by the roadside after being attacked for allegedly stabbing another during the melee. Police intensified patrols in Mbale, dispersing groups and leading to business closures. ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, speaking in Mbale, accused pro-government politicians and police of attempting to block their rallies, asserting that organizers had outmaneuvered rivals. He claimed some hired disruptors had declined to act, and vowed the movement would not be deterred by threats, emphasizing the right of Western Kenya's people to assemble. Babu Owino reiterated that the government feared their message of change and that the country belonged to its people.

These rallies are part of the ongoing "Linda Mwananchi" political mobilization campaign, which has drawn both support and opposition. The gatherings underscore deepening divisions within ODM, particularly after Edwin Sifuna's removal as Secretary-General for opposing the party’s move to pursue a pre-election pact with the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 general election. Sifuna’s previous rallies in Busia County and Kitengela were also marred by tension, with police firing tear gas in Kitengela leading to one death, highlighting a pattern of confrontational political gatherings.