A political rally led by Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela Town ended in chaos on Sunday after tear gas canisters were lobbed into a crowd of supporters, abruptly halting proceedings and raising fresh concerns about the safety of public political gatherings.
The rally, organized under the “Linda Mwananchi” banner by the Orange Democratic Movement, had drawn a large turnout from across Kajiado County and neighboring regions.
Supporters had assembled early in the day to listen to party leaders address governance, accountability, and public welfare issues. However, the atmosphere shifted dramatically when tear gas filled the venue, forcing attendees to flee as confusion and panic spread.
Footage broadcast live on local television captured the tense moments as the gathering dispersed. Leaders on the dais were seen attempting to calm supporters, urging them to remain peaceful despite the disruption.
Following the incident, Sifuna strongly condemned the use of tear gas, describing the rally as a peaceful assembly that had been unfairly targeted.
“Thank you Kitengela. In spite of all the harassment, intimidation and violence from this morning you showed up,” Sifuna said in a statement released shortly after the rally was halted.
He emphasized that the rally had been intended as a platform for engaging citizens on governance and social issues, adding that such interruptions undermine democratic participation.
Witnesses at the venue reported that the tear gas canisters were thrown while speeches were underway, with little warning to the crowd. Some attendees described scenes of confusion as families and youth scrambled to move away from the smoke-filled area.
Also present at the rally was James Orengo, Governor of Siaya County, who addressed the incident on Social media after the incident through brief remarks expressing solidarity and resilience.
His reaction, though concise, was interpreted by supporters as a message of continued political mobilization despite the disruption.
His presence at the event underscored the significance of the “Linda Mwananchi” tour, which party leaders say is aimed at engaging communities across the country.
Observers noted that the governor’s message, shared widely among supporters, reinforced calls for unity and perseverance amid what party leaders described as attempts to derail their outreach efforts.
Before the disruption, ODM leaders had already raised concerns about alleged attempts to interfere with the rally. Alongside Sifuna and Orengo was Babu Owino, who had also spoken to supporters earlier in the day.
The leaders claimed unnamed individuals were working to undermine the event, though no specific parties were publicly identified. Their concerns appeared to gain urgency following the deployment of tear gas, which they argued confirmed fears of deliberate disruption.
The rally also featured remarks from Reuben Ndolo, whose speech was interrupted when the situation escalated. Video footage showed the former legislator addressing the crowd moments before the gathering dispersed.
Supporters described the turnout as one of the largest political gatherings in the town in recent months, highlighting the strong local interest in the party’s engagement activities.
By the time of publication, authorities had not issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the tear gas deployment. The absence of immediate clarification has fueled speculation and intensified calls for accountability from political leaders and civil society observers.
Analysts note that public political events often require coordination between organizers and law enforcement agencies to ensure safety and order.
Local residents reported increased security presence in parts of Kitengela following the incident, though normal activity gradually resumed later in the day.
The disruption has reignited broader national debate about freedom of assembly and the conduct of political activities in public spaces. Analysts say the incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding political mobilization and public engagement.
For supporters who attended the rally, the events of the day were both alarming and symbolic. Many expressed frustration over the abrupt end to the gathering but maintained support for the leaders’ message.
Political commentators note that such incidents often shape public perception and can influence future political engagement strategies. The reaction from leaders and supporters suggests that the rally’s disruption may become a focal point in ongoing political discourse.
Despite the disruption, ODM leaders indicated that the “Linda Mwananchi” tour will proceed as planned. The initiative, party officials say, is designed to engage citizens directly and address issues affecting communities across the country.
Sifuna reiterated that the party would not be deterred by the incident, framing the events in Kitengela as part of a broader struggle for democratic space.
Supporters leaving the venue echoed similar sentiments, expressing determination to continue participating in political forums despite security concerns.
### Public Reaction and Next Steps
Reactions to the incident have continued to circulate widely on social media and in public discourse, with calls for investigation and clarification dominating conversations. Civic groups and political observers have urged authorities to provide a detailed account of what transpired.
As discussions unfold, the events in Kitengela stand as a reminder of the volatility that can accompany large-scale political gatherings. The incident also underscores the importance of dialogue, transparency, and adherence to legal frameworks governing public assembly.
For now, attention remains focused on whether authorities will provide an official explanation and how political actors will navigate future engagements in the wake of the disruption.
While the immediate rally ended in confusion, the political momentum it represented appears set to continue, with leaders and supporters alike framing the events as a moment of challenge—and resolve—in the country’s evolving political landscape.