A planned political rally in Kitengela ended in disorder after police released teargas into a crowd gathered to listen to ODM leaders, forcing an early close to the event.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had drawn a large crowd following a church service at St. Peter's Orkeju Emunyak ACK church in the town. Supporters filled the venue, waiting to hear from the leaders, when police intervened as Sifuna introduced those accompanying him.
Videos circulating online showed heavy smoke spreading across the area as teargas canisters landed near the crowd. Residents were seen running in different directions to shield themselves from the fumes. Authorities did not immediately explain what led to the action.
As tensions rose, Sifuna called on supporters to remain calm even as officers continued to lob canisters.
“You will not disrupt our meeting. Why are you throwing teargas at us? Relax so that we can continue with the meeting. Stop threatening us,” Sifuna stated, moments before another teargas canister was reportedly lobbed.
The confrontation that followed between police and sections of the crowd brought the rally to a sudden stop. Journalists covering the event were also affected as normal proceedings were disrupted.
Later, Sifuna accused the government of backing the operation. He said the trouble began earlier in the day when their stage and sound equipment were damaged, before officers moved in again during the rally.
"Thank You, Kitengela. Despite all the harassment, intimidation, and violence from this morning, you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment in the morning, and the state goons have now teargassed a peaceful assembly and brought it to an abrupt end. We shall not relent," Sifuna said in a statement on his social media pages.
The Kitengela incident follows other recent cases where opposition meetings have faced police interference. Events linked to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua have also encountered similar disruptions in recent weeks.
