University students in Kakamega County staged protests claiming they were cheated after participating in the Linda Mwananchi rally held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at Amalemba grounds.
The students allege they were mobilized with promises of payment to recruit fellow students to attend the rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other ODM leaders.
According to the protesters, they spent time and resources encouraging participation but were not compensated as agreed.
Frustrated, the students accused the rally organizers of failing to honor their promises and vowed not to be used by politicians again, criticizing youthful politicians for not prioritizing the youth agenda ahead of the 2027 general elections.
During the protests, chaos erupted as security officers moved in to disperse the crowd. Several people, including some students, sustained minor injuries, although the exact number affected remains unclear.
The Linda Mwananchi rally itself attracted thousands of residents and ODM leaders who addressed political and governance issues. Efforts to reach the rally organizers for comment were ongoing at the time.
The incident highlights growing tensions around youth engagement in political mobilization and raises questions about ethical practices in rally organization.
Tags
Politics