Teargas Fired as Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino Lead Kitengela Rally

Police fired teargas to disperse an opposition rally in Kitengela on Sunday, interrupting an event led by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino.


The rally had taken place shortly after a church service, with thousands of residents gathering along the Nairobi–Namanga Road. The situation escalated as Sifuna introduced other leaders to the crowd. Video footage showed smoke from teargas canisters spreading across the area as residents and boda boda riders ran for safety.

Transport along the busy road was disrupted, and traders closed their shops as Kitengela town came to a standstill. Amid the confusion, Sifuna urged supporters to remain calm and not to be intimidated.

He questioned why police were dispersing the meeting and called for the rally to continue peacefully. Witnesses also reported hearing live rounds, which heightened panic among those present.

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) accused the government of deliberately disrupting the event. Party officials said police had earlier destroyed their public address system before firing teargas into the crowd.

In a statement shared on social media, Sifuna thanked residents for attending despite what he described as harassment and intimidation, and said the opposition would continue its activities. Similar incidents have been reported at gatherings linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose allies claim their events have also faced interference.


The rally ended abruptly as aides escorted the leaders from the scene while police clashed with groups of youths who were chanting anti-government slogans