Kenya’s National Police Service has praised the peaceful conduct of the Linda Mwananchi rally at Nairobi’s Jacaranda Grounds, urging political leaders to make it the standard for future political gatherings.
The rare commendation came in a statement issued on Wednesday, September 16, following the major political rally held at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi on Sunday, September 13.
The NPS said organisers, supporters and security officers demonstrated mutual respect and restraint, allowing the event to proceed without violence or major disruption to public order.
“What was witnessed on Sunday is precisely what the National Police Service has consistently advocated: that we can exercise our constitutional freedoms peacefully and within the law,” the NPS said.
The police service also praised members of the public for their conduct, citing their cooperation, maturity and adherence to established security protocols.
Police urge politicians to follow Jacaranda example
The NPS said the Jacaranda gathering demonstrated that Kenyans can exercise their constitutional freedoms while maintaining public order.
It specifically urged political leaders, supporters and other stakeholders to replicate the conduct witnessed in Nairobi during future political engagements.
“The Jacaranda rally demonstrates that political expression can take place without violence or disruption of public order,” the service said.
“We therefore encourage all political leaders, supporters and stakeholders to make this the standard for future political engagements.”
The police reiterated that the National Police Service remains “apolitical” and “impartial”, and is committed to protecting Kenyans, residents and visitors.
Thousands turn out for Sifuna-led rally
The Jacaranda rally formed the climax of a day-long mobilisation tour led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Linda Mwananchi leaders.
The procession began with a church service before moving through several parts of Nairobi, including Marikiti, Gikomba and Burma markets, as well as areas along Jogoo Road, before ending at Jacaranda Grounds.
The event attracted large crowds as Sifuna and his political allies addressed supporters along the route and later at the main rally.
Despite earlier concerns about possible disruptions, the procession and rally were largely peaceful, with a heavy police presence deployed along the route.
Police had issued warning before rally
The NPS commendation comes days after Nairobi police warned that the movement’s supporters would not be allowed to take a large political procession into the Central Business District.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had received information suggesting that some groups could attempt to mobilise unruly youths to disrupt the event.
He urged political leaders and organisers to control their supporters and warned that political objectives should not come at the expense of public safety.
The rally nevertheless proceeded to Jacaranda Grounds, where the NPS now says the conduct of participants demonstrated that political expression and public order can coexist.
A significant message ahead of 2027
The police statement comes as political mobilisation increases ahead of Kenya’s 2027 General Election, with political leaders and movements stepping up public engagements across the country.
For the NPS, the Jacaranda gathering has provided an example of how large political events can be conducted without violence or significant disruption.
The service is now calling on political leaders and their supporters to maintain the same level of restraint and cooperation as political activity intensifies in the months ahead.
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