United Opposition leaders have accused police of using excessive force during a political rally in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, resulting in two deaths and at least 50 injuries. The incident, which took place at a Sifuna-led faction of ODM gathering, has intensified calls against alleged police brutality.
Families of the victims identified one of the deceased, Vincent Ayoma, whose wife said he was shot in the eye, with the bullet exiting through the back of his head. “Vincent was shot when he was crossing the road from work by a policeman,” she narrated, recalling the shock of discovering his body at the city mortuary.
The rally descended into chaos after police reportedly lobbed teargas at attendees, forcing the crowd to disperse. Witnesses reported multiple canisters thrown while Sifuna tried to calm supporters, urging them to remain peaceful despite the disruptions. The politician later condemned the actions on social media, alleging government sponsorship of the police response. He added that the authorities had destroyed their sound system earlier in the day.
In response, United Opposition leaders, including Eugene Wamalwa, planned a follow-up visit to the office of Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Monday, February 16, citing systemic human rights violations by the police and the ruling Kenya Kwanza Coalition. Wamalwa described the government as a “goon-vernment” and vowed to escalate the matter locally and internationally.
Kalonzo Musyoka also warned that the opposition would take the issue to international forums, including the International Criminal Court in The Hague, highlighting ongoing human rights concerns.
The events underline growing tensions between opposition parties and state security forces, with public outrage mounting over the loss of life and the scale of injuries. United Opposition leaders have promised to return to the IG’s office on Friday to ensure their grievances are addressed directly by senior police officials.
Witnesses and political observers say the incident in Kitengela reflects a troubling trend of confrontations at political gatherings and raises questions about crowd management, police accountability, and respect for human rights during election-related events. The rally’s abrupt end also drew criticism for limiting media coverage, leaving the public reliant on social media updates and official statements.
This incident is likely to fuel ongoing debates about political freedoms, citizen safety at rallies, and the role of law enforcement in managing protests and political events in Kenya. Opposition leaders have made it clear that they will continue pushing for accountability and transparency in the handling of such gatherings.
