Police fired shots in the air and lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse supporters of the Orange Democratic Movement's (ODM) Linda Mwananchi faction, which is led by the embattled Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.
The confrontation on Sunday afternoon erupted shortly after the faction received a rousing welcome in Kitengela town, following hours of tension.
Hundreds of supporters chanting the “one term” slogan surged forward as leaders addressed them, overwhelming security officers who were keeping vigil calmly.
Some youths hurled stones at police, prompting officers to call for reinforcement. Kitengela Police Station Landcruiser windscreen was smashed during the commotion.
Within minutes, gunshots were heard and thick clouds of tear gas engulfed the town centre, forcing the end of the rally. Several people were reported injured following a stampede.
Sifuna, on his X account, reacted to the chaos in a tweet.
He wrote, "Thank You Kitengela. Inspite of all the harassment, intimidation and violence from this morning you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment in the morning, the state goons have now teargassed a peaceful assembly and brought it to an abrupt end. We shall not relent."
Earlier in the day, the Sifuna-led team had brought business in Kitengela to a standstill. The busy Kitengela–Namanga Highway was rendered impassable as traders hurriedly shut their premises, fearing looting despite heavy police deployment.
The leaders had begun their tour with a church service at ACK St Peter’s Orkeju Church in Kisaju, Kajiado East Sub-County.
Police deployed teargas canisters directly into the ODM rally led by Edwin Sifuna, effectively ending the scheduled event before it could conclude.
Photo credit: Labaan Shabaan | Nation
In his first major public speech since being ousted and reinstated by the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal, Sifuna described himself as “a rebel with a cause” against President William Ruto’s administration.
He accused the broad-based government of presiding over corruption, abductions and extrajudicial killings.
“Kenyans are giving me comfort. Even if they eliminate me, at least more than 15 million Kenyans will soldier on with this noble course to liberate our country,” said Sifuna.
“Our economy is on its knees. They (the State) are threatening us to keep silent lest we lose our positions.”
Tension rises in Kitengela ahead of ODM Linda Mwananchi rallies
Meanwhile, Siaya Governor James Orengo launched a scathing attack on ODM party leader Oburu Odinga, alleging that the party had been compromised.
“Our forefathers had a vision for this country that gave birth to democracy and stability. The Sifuna-led team has what it takes to bring change in our nation. This movement is not about 2027 elections; it is about liberating our country now,” said Orengo.
“Only a despot would eliminate budding politicians, but no one can stop a country’s liberation. We will traverse this nation and instil courage in Kenyans who are living in fear under a dictatorial regime.”
ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi claimed the party had been “remotely controlled by the State” and urged members to safeguard its legacy.
“The ODM in Mombasa does not carry the aspirations of our fallen party leader Raila Odinga. They operate at the behest of someone else. We must protect our party from being auctioned to the highest bidder,” said Osotsi.
Police deployed teargas canisters directly into the ODM rally led by Edwin Sifuna, effectively ending the scheduled event before it could conclude.
Photo credit: Labaan Shabaan | Nation
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged that attempts to sabotage the rally had failed and rallied the youth and women to back the faction ahead of the 2027 polls.
“Oburu Odinga and his ilk may have the party structure, but we have the members. Let them know we cannot be cowed by threats. They are hawking our party to the highest bidder, but we will not be party to that mischievous move,” said Owino to the charged crowd.
Winnie Odinga was notably absent from the rally, which was attended by at least 20 legislators and a dozen Members of County Assemblies drawn from different counties.
Police deployed teargas canisters directly into the ODM rally led by Edwin Sifuna, effectively ending the scheduled event before it could conclude.
Photo credit: Labaan Shabaan | Nation
Tension had been building since the morning after police dispersed groups of youths allegedly ferried from Ong’ata Rongai to disrupt the event.
Unidentified individuals also pulled down a billboard bearing images of the Linda Mwananchi leaders at the Mombasa Road interchange.
Kajiado County has traditionally been a stronghold for the ODM party, with Raila Odinga garnering the most votes in the last three presidential elections held in the region.
In the 2022 presidential election, Odinga garnered 158,556 votes in Kajiado County against Ruto’s 148,448. Across the three Maa counties, Odinga secured 360,000 votes compared to Ruto’s 325,000 — a margin of 35,000 votes.
