The students said they were promised payments to recruit fellow participants but did not receive any money after the event.
The rally was led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other Orange Democratic Movement leaders. Students said they spent their time and personal resources mobilizing people and felt used after organizers failed to honor their promise. They expressed frustration and vowed not to be exploited by politicians again.
Protests turned chaotic when security officers intervened to disperse the crowds. Several students reportedly sustained minor injuries, although the exact number remains unclear.
The aggrieved youths accused political leaders of ignoring the real issues facing young people and failing to champion their interests.
They insisted that as the country approaches the 2027 General Election, politicians should involve them genuinely rather than manipulate them for political gains.
The Linda Mwananchi rally drew thousands of residents and leaders allied to Sifuna’s faction. During the event, speakers addressed political and governance matters affecting the nation, but the controversy over unpaid participants overshadowed the rally’s message.
Efforts to reach the rally organizers for comment were ongoing, and no official response had been recorded at the time of the protests.
The demonstrations highlighted growing frustration among young people in Kakamega who feel sidelined in political engagements. Many vowed to hold leaders accountable and ensure youth voices are respected in future political events.