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Odinga further dismissed factional rhetoric surrounding slogans such as \u201cLinda Ground\u201d and \u201cLinda Mwananchi,\u201d urging members to prioritize shared goals over internal disputes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe people of Kisumu and Kenya at large expect leadership, not infighting,\u201d she noted. She called on all stakeholders to respect democratic freedoms and allow citizens to independently decide which political events to attend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe cannot choose for the people. That would undermine democracy itself. Let every politician present their agenda peacefully, without interference,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several prominent leaders are expected to attend the rally, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The remarks come amid controversy sparked by Alego Usonga MP Samuel Atandi, who initially opposed the rally, claiming it would not take place and alleging that organizers were mobilizing university students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
However, following public backlash, Atandi softened his stance, stating that visiting leaders should be welcomed, while cautioning them against what he described as disrespect toward ODM leadership, including Oburu Oginga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Addressing a roadside gathering in Kisumu, Atandi accused the Linda Mwananchi faction of undermining development gains by pushing the region back into opposition politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He nevertheless encouraged residents to attend the Sunday rally at Owuor Grounds the same venue where President William Ruto launched the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway extension in March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Odinga concluded by reiterating the need for calm, urging leaders to uphold democratic principles and foster political tolerance in the lead-up to the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Kisumu Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has defended the constitutional right of all Kenyans to hold political rallies, cautioning leaders against fostering intolerance and division. Speaking ahead of the planned Linda Mwananchi rally scheduled for Sunday at Owuor Grounds in Kisumu, Odinga criticized attempts to block the event, describing them as a threat to Kenya\u2019s democratic […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23806,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23805","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics"],"yoast_head":"\n