Speaking to the media on Monday, the governor said leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement were free to visit Mombasa and address residents, noting that the Constitution guarantees freedom of movement and political expression across the country.
The faction, led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo, recently announced plans to stage a major rally in Mombasa once Ramadan ends.
The group has been vocal in opposing the ODM party’s decision to support the government led by President William Ruto.
Governor Abdulswamad Nassir said his administration would not stand in the way of any political leaders wishing to engage residents, emphasizing that Mombasa remains open to all Kenyans regardless of political affiliation.
However, Nassir issued a pointed remark regarding past political gatherings organized by the group.
He urged the leaders to avoid drama during their planned rally, claiming that some of their previous events had involved the use of tear gas by their own supporters to create the impression that security agencies were disrupting their meetings.
“Everyone has a right to come to Mombasa and speak to wananchi. This is a democratic country,” Nassir said. “But when they come, they should leave the tear gas behind.
We have seen situations where people throw tear gas in their own rallies so that it appears like the government is responsible.”
The planned rally is expected to add fresh momentum to internal political debates within ODM, as divisions continue to emerge over the party’s working relationship with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Political observers say the Mombasa meeting could signal the next phase of mobilization by the Linda Mwananchi faction.