Two Killed and Dozens Injured After Chaos Erupts at Kitengela Opposition Rally
Two people are reported to have died while at least 50 others sustained injuries following violent scenes in Kitengela, according to leaders from the United Opposition.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, February 15, has sparked fresh accusations against the police, with opposition figures claiming that officers used excessive force against civilians attending a political event.
The rally had been organised by a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement led by Edwin Sifuna. Opposition leaders alleged that police officers fired live bullets and used teargas to disperse the gathering, even though attendees were reportedly unarmed and had not provoked any confrontation.
The incident has since reignited national debate over police conduct and the handling of political gatherings.
On Monday, February 16, relatives of one of the victims, 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo, spoke to journalists at City Mortuary after identifying his body. According to the family, Ayomo was shot in the eye, with the bullet exiting through the back of his head.
His wife emotionally narrated that he had been on his way home from work when the shooting occurred. She explained that she was alerted by one of his colleagues, and after searching for him, the family later discovered that his body had been taken to the mortuary.
Witnesses said the situation turned chaotic when a teargas canister was thrown into a large crowd attending the Linda Wananchi rally. The sudden use of teargas caused panic among supporters, forcing many to run for safety as confusion spread across the venue.
In videos circulating online, Sifuna was heard urging calm and asking police not to interrupt the meeting, questioning why teargas was being used against a peaceful gathering.
Moments later, another canister was reportedly fired, further escalating tension and eventually leading to the rally being cut short. Media coverage of the event was also abruptly stopped as the situation deteriorated.
After the incident, Sifuna took to social media, accusing the government of deliberately interfering with the rally. He claimed that police officers had earlier destroyed the event’s sound system before later dispersing the crowd using teargas during the main gathering.
The confrontation came at a time when opposition leaders were already planning to meet the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, on Monday, February 16.
The planned visit was meant to follow up on earlier discussions held on January 30, 2026, regarding concerns about security operations and political freedoms.
After visiting police headquarters, opposition leader Eugene Wamalwa stated that the Kitengela incident reflected what he described as a growing pattern of human rights violations.
He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of allowing security agencies to suppress opposition activities and warned that the matter would be pursued both within Kenya and on international platforms.
Wamalwa emphasized that human rights issues attract global attention and said the opposition intended to ensure the incident receives wider scrutiny.
The opposition leaders were, however, unable to secure a meeting with IG Kanja during their visit, insisting that they would not hold discussions with junior officers.
They announced plans to return to the police headquarters on Friday to continue pushing for answers and accountability.
At the same time, opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that the matter could be escalated beyond Kenya’s borders if satisfactory action is not taken.
He mentioned the possibility of raising the issue at the International Criminal Court in The Hague, citing concerns over alleged human rights abuses and the need for independent scrutiny.
The events in Kitengela have since intensified political tensions, with calls growing for investigations into the use of force by police and renewed demands for protection of civil liberties during political gatherings.
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