Murkomen Speaks Out on Kitengela Chaos During Sifuna Rally
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has broken his silence on the violence that erupted during a rally organized by the breakaway ODM faction led by Sifuna on Sunday, February 15, in Kitengela.
Murkomen alleged that troublemakers were deliberately brought in from Machakos to disrupt the meeting, which quickly descended into chaos.
Speaking in Naivasha at a Huduma na Usalama Mashinani forum, Murkomen claimed that certain individuals had been transported from Machakos to interfere with the rally, causing the disorder that was witnessed by attendees and residents alike.
He emphasized that the police had not received formal notification about the rally in advance, which limited their ability to control the crowd and prevent violence.
“Let those who are seeking votes and competing in elections understand that we will not allow disruptions. The government under President William Ruto will not tolerate it.
Our police officers have clear orders to deal decisively with anyone inciting communities,” Murkomen stated firmly.
The chaotic events on Sunday resulted in the death of one person, with dozens more injured after police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd.
Murkomen attributed the fatalities and injuries partly to the timing of the rally, noting that it coincided with a local market day, which naturally brought more people into the area and increased the risk of confrontation.
The Linda Wananchi rally, organized by Sifuna, began peacefully, with supporters gathering to hear their leaders. However, the situation escalated toward the end when a tear gas canister was hurled into the crowd.
Witnesses recounted harrowing scenes as elderly women struggled to escape the choking fumes, while traders, boda boda riders, and residents ran in different directions to find safety.
Despite the chaos, a number of young people remained, engaging police in confrontations and chanting anti-government slogans even after political leaders had left the scene.
The unrest further escalated when a group of protesters stormed the Kitengela Police Station and the District Officer’s office, removing the national flag and setting parts of the offices on fire.
In response to the violence, Sifuna issued a strong statement condemning the government for its role in the tragic events.
He directly blamed senior officials for the death of Vincent Ayomo, a 28-year-old local garage worker, calling it a senseless and unnecessary killing. Sifuna vowed to seek justice for Ayomo’s family and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“They do not respect the rights of Kenyans and are intolerant of democratic competition. Instead of addressing the real issues facing the country, they have chosen to unleash state violence on ordinary citizens,” Sifuna said, emphasizing the need for accountability and protection of democratic freedoms.
The incident in Kitengela has reignited political tensions, highlighting the fragile nature of political gatherings in Kenya and raising serious concerns about the use of force during public rallies.
Citizens and political observers are now calling for thorough investigations into both the death and the violent disruptions, urging the government to uphold safety and democratic rights for all Kenyans.
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