Linda Mwananchi Leader Caroli Omondi Rejects 'Ferrying' Claims, Accuses State of Homa Bay Rally Violence

Suba South MP Caroli Omondi has firmly dismissed allegations that his Linda Mwananchi movement transports supporters to its events, asserting the grassroots nature of their gatherings. Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, August 19, the lawmaker insisted that the movement's rallies draw attendees organically, a point of pride for the nascent political group actively seeking to reshape Kenya's political landscape.

“Linda Mwananchi does not ferry anybody to our rallies neither do we brand anybody. Our rallies are the most organic in the country,” Omondi stated, adding, “Unfortunately, we only get attacked where ODM is present.” He further articulated the movement's core belief that Kenyans desire political transformation, with a strategic focus on unifying opposition leaders around a common agenda. “Linda Mwananchi is conscious of the fact that Kenyans are determined to make a change. Our focus is on uniting the entire opposition on the basis of a shared platform, then putting together a team that will deliver that change,” he explained, signaling a significant push for political realignment in Kenya.

The MP did not shy away from casting doubt on the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) electoral viability, predicting that Linda Mwananchi would secure many seats currently held by or associated with ODM across the country in upcoming elections. “I don’t see any future for ODM. In Nairobi, ODM will not win any seats; all its seats will go to Linda Mwananchi. There is no ODM in Western, Kisii or Maasai land. We will take the seats in Wajir. In Nyanza, a few people may survive, but the majority will be with Linda Mwananchi,” Omondi declared, highlighting the intense rivalry between the two political entities.

Omondi also addressed the violent incidents that marred a Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay, leveling serious accusations against state actors and local leadership. He alleged that the state facilitated aggressors, who he claimed were brought by the county government, by providing them with electronic tracking. Furthermore, he accused police officers of abandoning their posts as the violence escalated. “The state enabled the goons brought by the county government by giving them electronic trailing on us. The police, including those who had been pretending to protect us, disappeared, while those around us remained completely inactive,” he claimed.

The lawmaker assigned direct responsibility for the “deaths, destruction, and everything that happened in Homa Bay County” to Governor Wanga, MP Kaluma, and Ogindo, criticizing their leadership sharply. “Wanga bears the greatest responsibility for the deaths, destruction, and everything that happened in Homa Bay County, as well as Kaluma and Ogindo. Homa Bay County has produced some of the best leaders over the years; now we have empty heads, idiots pretending to be leaders while they are gangsters,” Omondi stated. In a separate statement issued on Monday, August 17, Linda Mwananchi escalated its allegations, linking the National Intelligence Service (NIS) to the Homa Bay violence.

The movement reported that its supporters in Nyandiwa apprehended an individual traveling with some of the attackers in an unmarked black Toyota Prado. This incident, according to Linda Mwananchi, raised critical questions about the coordination of those involved in the assaults. “In Nyandiwa, our supporters apprehended an individual who was travelling with some of the attackers in an unmarked black Toyota Prado. The circumstances surrounding his presence were consistent with the coordination of the individuals deployed against us,” the statement detailed. Upon questioning, the individual identified himself as an NIS officer, and his mobile phone was confiscated by the movement, remaining in its possession. “Upon questioning, the individual identified himself as an officer of the National Intelligence Service. His mobile phone was taken into our custody and remains in our possession,” the statement added.

Since the phone's seizure, Linda Mwananchi claimed its team has received “a continuous stream of calls” to the device from individuals identifying as senior police officers, demanding its immediate return. “Since then, our team has received a continuous stream of calls to that phone from individuals identifying themselves as senior police officers, demanding its return,” the group stated. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Linda Mwananchi announced its intention to preserve the phone as crucial evidence and consult its legal team on the appropriate next steps, including potential engagement with independent oversight and investigative agencies. This development underscores serious concerns about state agency involvement in political activities within Kenya. The Horizon Wire's editorial team has compiled this report based on information initially published by Nairobi Leo.