NAIROBI, Kenya — Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has pledged to pursue justice for a man allegedly shot dead during the “Linda Mwananchi” rally in Kitengela, Kajiado County, as political tensions continue to escalate over opposition activities.
The victim, identified as Vincent Ayomo, is reported to have attended the meeting before chaos broke out following a police operation to disperse the gathering. The rally, organised by a faction within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), was cut short after officers fired tear gas to break up the crowd.
Mr Sifuna claimed that security officers and hired individuals used excessive force against what he described as peaceful supporters.
“We will pursue justice for his family and ensure that those responsible for his death are held accountable,” he said.
Allegations of excessive force
According to witnesses, hundreds of supporters fled in panic after tear gas canisters were lobbed into the crowd. Mr Sifuna alleged that hired goons vandalised the public address system and attacked attendees, leaving several injured.
The ODM Secretary-General condemned what he termed a violent crackdown, describing the death as both tragic and unjustified.
“He tragically lost his life in the fight for a better Kenya in the hands of those who are bound to protect him,” Sifuna said.
“He came to join other Kenyans in a peaceful assembly. He committed no crime. He provoked nobody. So why did the police kill him?” he asked.
By the time of publication, authorities had not issued a detailed statement regarding the alleged shooting.
Broader political context
The rally formed part of the broader “Linda Mwananchi” movement, which has seen opposition leaders criticise what they describe as democratic backsliding and intolerance of dissent under the administration of President William Ruto.
Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly under Article 37. However, recent months have seen heightened political tensions, with opposition events occasionally disrupted by security agencies citing public order concerns.
Mr Sifuna alleged that the incident reflected a wider pattern of suppression.
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“They do not respect the rights of Kenyans and are intolerant of democratic competition. They have chosen to unleash state violence on citizens instead of addressing the many challenges facing them,” Sifuna said.
Political analysts note that confrontations between police and protesters have periodically strained relations between the government and opposition factions, particularly as the country approaches key political milestones ahead of the next electoral cycle.
Calls for investigation
The senator urged supporters to remain calm while demanding accountability.
“We will not surrender or be intimidated. We will continue to defend the rights of Kenyans and ensure justice is served,” he said.
He called on authorities to conduct independent investigations into the death and establish responsibility.
Human rights organisations in Kenya have frequently called for transparent inquiries into protest-related fatalities, arguing that accountability is essential to maintaining public trust in law enforcement institutions.
It remains unclear whether the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) will launch a formal probe into the alleged shooting. In previous cases involving protest-related deaths, IPOA has undertaken investigations, though prosecutions have been limited.
The “Linda Mwananchi” campaign is expected to continue its engagements across the country, with organisers maintaining that constitutional freedoms must be protected.
As tensions simmer, the focus now shifts to whether authorities will address the allegations and whether the incident could further inflame political divisions in the capital and beyond.
