Sifuna Defies CBD Ban on Political Rallies in Nairobi

Sifuna defies CBD ban orders by drawing thousands of supporters along the procession route toward Eastlands.On Sunday, September 13, 2026, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna led the Linda Mwananchi movement through the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) despite a ban issued by security authorities. 

The march began with a morning church service at All Saints Cathedral at 9:00 AM. Following the service, supporters moved through the CBD, passing through major commercial centers including Marikiti, Gikomba, and Burma markets. The crowd then proceeded along Jogoo Road, heading to the final venue at Jacaranda Grounds in Embakasi East.

The procession occurred despite administrative directives issued twenty-four hours earlier. On Saturday, September 12, 2026, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud issued a directive banning political rallies inside the CBD to prevent disruption to business operations. However, political activity intensified as Sifuna defies CBD ban directives alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, leading marchers through the restricted zones.

Unlike past incidents where political marches in the CBD resulted in police confrontations, Sunday’s event proceeded without violence. Security forces maintained a visible presence along the route but did not disperse the crowd. Business activities along parts of the route paused temporarily, though no property damage or injuries were reported as Sifuna defies CBD ban restrictions while maintaining the movement’s scheduled itinerary.

Crowd numbers expanded along Jogoo Road as estate residents, traders, and local workers joined the procession as Sifuna defies CBD ban directives. By afternoon, Jacaranda Grounds was filled to capacity prior to the arrival of the main convoy, with supporters gathering to attend the scheduled political addresses.

Sifuna Defies CBD Ban: What It Takes to Run for President in Kenya

At Jacaranda Grounds, Sifuna was joined on stage by several opposition leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Addressing the audience, Babu Owino formally endorsed Sifuna for the presidential seat in the upcoming 2027 General Election. During his speech, Owino also criticized Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and announced his intention to contest the Nairobi gubernatorial seat in 2027.

In his address, Sifuna outlined plans for a broad opposition coalition to compete in the 2027 elections. He emphasized the necessity of political alignment across different regions to form a strong political front.

Sifuna also invited former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join the coalition effort. The invitation follows earlier statements by Gachagua expressing willingness to cooperate with opposition figures ahead of the next election cycle.

“We must walk together with Kalonzo Musyoka, Rigathi Gachagua, and all other leaders in the opposition,” stated Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Transitioning from a political endorsement to an official presidential candidacy on the ballot involves a legal and constitutional process governed by Article 137 of the Constitution of Kenya and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) regulations.

The journey begins with the eligibility and educational verification. An aspirant must be a Kenyan citizen by birth, registered as a voter, and hold a degree from a university recognized in Kenya. The candidate must not owe allegiance to any foreign state, hold dual citizenship unless acquired by operation of law, or hold any public office other than President, Deputy President, or Member of Parliament. Furthermore, the candidate must satisfy moral and integrity requirements under Chapter Six of the Constitution, ensuring they have no history of bankruptcy, mental incapacity, or prison sentences exceeding six months.

Once basic qualifications are verified, the aspirant must secure an official political nomination or register as an independent candidate. If running under a political party, the candidate must win internal party primaries and obtain an official Nomination Certificate signed by authorized party officials. Independent candidates must obtain clearance from the Registrar of Political Parties, submit a Commission-approved symbol, and establish a physical campaign office at least 45 days prior to the election.

The next critical phase requires selecting a running mate and gathering national support. The presidential candidate must designate a Deputy Presidential nominee who fulfills identical constitutional qualifications. Additionally, the candidate must collect and submit an electronic and physical list of at least 2,000 registered voters’ signatures, accompanied by copies of their national identity cards, from each of a majority of Kenya’s 47 counties (a minimum of 24 counties).

The process culminates during official IEBC nomination days. The candidate must personally present all verified supporter lists, statutory declarations, self-declaration forms, signed codes of conduct, identity documents, and statutory nomination fees to the IEBC National Returning Officer. Upon full verification of these documents, the commission officially clears the candidate to contest the presidential election.