Edwin Sifuna, the Nairobi County Senator, has announced the suspension of the Linda Mwananchi tour stop scheduled for Mombasa County, following a request by Muslim elders to allow residents to fully observe the holy month of Ramadan.
Speaking on Saturday, February 21, in Kakamega County, Sifuna said the decision was reached out of respect for the religious period, which began on February 18 and runs until March 18.
“As the Linda Mwananchi team, we will continue to traverse the country. However, our Muslim brothers and sisters have asked us to pause the Mombasa leg of the tour so they can observe the holy month of Ramadan,” Sifuna said.
The announcement was made during a rally held at Amalemba Grounds, where Sifuna appeared alongside Babu Owino, James Orengo and Godfrey Osotsi.
Tour background
The tour, organised by a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was officially launched on February 8, 2026, and has since held rallies in Ugunja, Busia County and Kitengela in Kajiado County.
Organisers noted that the Coast region has a large Muslim population, and that large political gatherings—often characterised by daytime activities and loud public address systems—could disrupt fasting and evening prayers during Ramadan. The tour is therefore expected to resume in the region after the conclusion of the holy month, although new dates for the Mombasa stop have not yet been announced.
Security concerns also factor into scheduling
The pause in the Coast leg of the tour comes amid heightened concern over security following unrest witnessed during some recent political rallies in different parts of the country.
In Kitengela on February 15, one person—later identified as Vincent Ayomo—died after being shot, according to post-mortem findings released on February 21. Several other people were injured as police dispersed crowds during the rally.
Separately, disturbances were also reported during the Kakamega rally on February 21, with injuries recorded in nearby Mbale town.
While organisers have indicated that the tour will continue nationwide, they confirmed that the Mombasa stop will only be rescheduled after the Ramadan period, with further communication expected on upcoming venues and dates.
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