ODM members aligned with Team Linda Mwananchi in Mombasa have confirmed they are prepared to host their national leaders at Tononoka ground on Sunday for the Mombasa installment of the Linda Mwananchi campaign.
Under the leadership of Moses “Civilizer” Aran, the group mentioned they have notified all relevant authorities of the rally and have received security assurance from law enforcement.
They encouraged all peace-loving Kenyans seeking justice for current and future generations to attend the Tononoka rally in large numbers.
Civilizer, a principal member of Linda Mwananchi, stressed that it is time for young people to fulfill their ambitions by taking leadership roles from the older generation.
“These positions have been held by the old guard for too long. Now we want to change this. As long as you have confidence in your leadership abilities, take the mantle and lead,” Civilizer stated.
He dismissed the Linda Ground Special Delegates Conference held at Jamhuri grounds in Nairobi as a rubber-stamping exercise for the older generation unwilling to allow youth leadership.
The former nominated MCA in the Mombasa County Assembly claimed that currently the old guard view their movement with contempt.
“But let me tell Kenyans, in the next two months, those who have been hiding will come forward to seek positions but will find none available. They will all have been taken by young people,” Civilizer said.
He argued that the country is moving in the wrong direction and young people must stand up against this trajectory.
“Let no one sell fear to us. Only wananchi can frighten us. Others tried to block us from holding our meeting at Ufungamano House while they held theirs at Jamhuri Grounds. That is the kind of leadership we oppose,” he said.
“The two venues are very far apart. Why were those preparing to endorse matters afraid of the progressive gathering of young people?” the former MCA questioned.
“Let those who want to protect Linda Ground, which has no popular support, do so while we champion the people who have stood with ODM through all circumstances,” Civilizer said.
Edwini Shamir, one of the organizers, stated that Kenya is a democratic country governed by the rule of law.
“We do not want to see the selective democracy happening in our country. We want all persons to be allowed to exercise their freedom of speech without intimidation like we witnessed at Ufungamano House in Nairobi,” Shamir said.
On Friday, police attempted to prevent Team Linda Mwananchi, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, from accessing Ufungamano House for their parallel ODM NDC.
“We want a peaceful meeting in Mombasa. Let the security agencies in Mombasa not be misused by those in power today. We know the departments you lead are independent institutions funded by our taxes,” Shamir said.
Bradley Ouna, a political activist, stated there should be no fear, urging Kenyans to attend the Tononoka rally in large numbers on Sunday.
“We have followed all due procedure, and there is no reason our meeting will not take place. We will be there and we will continue protecting our people and their rights,” Ouna said.
Ouna explained that for change to occur in the country, fear must leave the people.
“We cannot initiate any meaningful change if we are guided by fear. We must not be led by fear. We must be led by the constitution, one of the most progressive in the world,” Ouna said.
Ali Kubo, a youthful activist pursuing the Mombasa senator position, asserted that young people will save the country from its current negative trajectory.
“The youth have awakened, and the time has come for us to lead the nation,” Kubo said.
Samuel Oduma, the Team Sifuna chair in Mombasa, welcomed all attendees.
“Someone once told us to leave teargas in Kitengela. My question is, are teargas canisters stored in police stations or residential homes?” Oduma questioned.
He was responding to ODM deputy party leader Abdulswamad Nassir, who stated that the Linda Mwananchi group is welcome in Mombasa but should not bring teargas.
Nassir implied that the Linda Mwananchi group disrupts their own gatherings with teargas to blame the Linda Ground faction.
“Our events are peaceful. This one will also be peaceful,” Oduma said.
Linda Mwananchi rally coordinator Daniel Lucho mentioned they will begin Sunday activities with a church service at a location to be announced later before proceeding to Tononoka ground.
He expressed confidence the meeting will be peaceful as long as they have sufficient attendance.
Former Mombasa woman representative Asha “Ashu” Mohamed, who had not been seen in public for nearly three years, reappeared amid appeals for women to attend the Sunday rally in large numbers.
“We must ensure liberation extends to Mombasa as well,” she said.