NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 — Opposition rallies in Kenya are often marked by uncertainty long before the first speech is delivered. On Saturday, that suspense played out in Kakamega County as the Linda Mwananchi rally led by embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General Edwin Sifuna unfolded amid heavy security presence, teargas volleys and political tension.
Police Warning Ahead of Rally
In the hours leading up to the gathering at Amalemba Grounds, Western Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud told journalists that authorities had not received formal notification about the rally, citing only posters circulating on social media.
“We will use all force to maintain peace. We will not accept lawlessness here. We cannot accept our country to go to the dogs,” Mohamud warned.
However, speaking earlier on the floor of the Senate, Sifuna maintained that he had formally notified Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen about the planned Kakamega rally. He said the notification had been sent to the Kakamega OCPD and directly to Murkomen via WhatsApp, noting that the Cabinet Secretary remains a member of the Senate WhatsApp group as a former senator.
Sifuna accused Murkomen of feigning ignorance about previous rally plans in Kitengela and insisted that due process had been followed for the Kakamega event.
Mohamud further alleged that security agencies had received intelligence reports suggesting that some individuals traveling to the rally from Nairobi were armed. “We are even told people who are coming from as far as Nairobi who are armed with rifles,” he claimed, adding that police would act decisively to maintain order.
Teargas Before Speeches
Tension escalated early Saturday morning as small groups of youths were seen uprooting and burning road reflectors near Amalemba Grounds. By around 9:00 a.m., teargas canisters were lobbed toward the venue, triggering panic among sections of the crowd.
Some attendees responded by throwing stones, escalating confrontations with police. Groups of young men mounted informal barricades along access roads leading to the grounds, stopping and inspecting vehicles headed toward the rally site.
In Kakamega town, rival political factions also staged parallel displays of strength, with youths allied to the broad-based government driving through the streets on trucks and motorbikes chanting slogans and waving placards reading “Two Tutam.”
Massive Turnout Despite Disruptions
Despite the early chaos, Sifuna’s convoy wound through Kakamega town to a large and enthusiastic reception. Supporters lined the streets chanting slogans and waving party flags as music blared from speakers. The popular ODM anthem “Jeshi la Baba” ignited cheers as Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino stood atop vehicles greeting the crowd.
They were joined by several ODM leaders, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, and MPs Caleb Amisi and Richard Onyonka, among others.
Orengo and Osotsi addressed the crowd without interruption. However, moments after Sifuna rose to speak, teargas canisters arced toward the dais, landing near the stage and within the crowd. Thick white plumes spread quickly, sending supporters scrambling for safety.
Amid the chaos, Sifuna vowed the rally would continue.
“This meeting will not be disrupted as they did in Kitengela,” he declared, urging young people not to throw stones or retaliate against police. “We will extinguish this teargas and continue with this meeting.”
Supporters eventually regrouped, although isolated scuffles were reported as some attempted to confront individuals suspected of aiding the disruption.
Echoes of Kitengela
The Kakamega confrontation comes just days after a similar rally in Kitengela ended in turmoil. During that event, police fired teargas and live bullets to disperse crowds as Sifuna and other leaders addressed supporters.
A young man, Vincent Ayomo, was allegedly shot dead during the Kitengela chaos. Sifuna condemned what he termed excessive use of force and vowed to seek justice.
“Despite all the harassment, intimidation, and violence, you showed up,” Sifuna told supporters after the Kitengela rally was cut short. “We shall not relent.”
He pledged to pursue accountability for Ayomo’s death, stating that those responsible would be held to account.
Saturday’s events in Kakamega underscore the deepening tensions surrounding opposition mobilization efforts, as political contestation increasingly plays out in dramatic and confrontational scenes across the country.
