A political rally in Kakamega County turned tense on Saturday after police fired teargas near the venue, forcing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to pause his speech and appeal for calm. The incident occurred during the Linda Mwananchi campaign meeting at Amalemba Grounds, where a large crowd had gathered to welcome opposition leaders.
Sifuna was addressing supporters from the stage when the first canisters landed close to the crowd. As smoke spread across the field, some people began to run, while others tried to shield themselves from the fumes. Despite the confusion, the senator remained on the podium and repeatedly urged those present not to respond with violence.
He cautioned young people against throwing stones at officers, asking them instead to remain steady and peaceful.
"Vijana leo tusitupie polisi mawe, wacha watupe teargas sisi tusitupe mawe. Wakitupa teargas tunazima kama bhangi ya jana," he said while on the podium.
The rally marked Sifuna’s high-profile appearance in Kakamega alongside Babu Owino as part of the ongoing Linda Mwananchi tour. Their entry into the county drew a lively reception, with supporters escorting their convoy through town in a motorcade filled with music, chants and party colours.
Before Sifuna began his address, teargas had already been thrown near the grounds, briefly causing panic among attendees. Even so, organisers pressed on with the programme as leaders took turns speaking.
Sifuna used the moment to emphasise that the campaign would continue travelling across the country. However, he noted that the tour would briefly slow down in consideration of the Ramadan period after talks with Muslim leaders.
"Tutatembea Kenya nzima, lakini tumeombwa na ndugu zetu waisalamu, kwa sababu ya Ramadan, tupumzike kidogo alafu tutaenda mombasa," he said.
He added that the movement would later regain pace, including a planned visit to Mombasa.
Supporters at the rally waved Orange Democratic Movement flags and chanted party slogans as leaders addressed them. The energy around Amalemba Grounds reflected the growing visibility of the Linda Mwananchi campaign, which has been moving from one town to another.
Among those present were Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders allied to the campaign. The event followed what organisers described as a successful stop in Kitengela.
The Kakamega gathering took place even as another meeting linked to the Orange Democratic Movement was being held in Siaya County under the leadership of Oburu Odinga.
Earlier, police had indicated that organisers had not formally notified security agencies about the Kakamega rally, raising concerns over compliance with public order rules.
Despite the disruption, Sifuna continued to call for calm, urging supporters to remain at the venue and avoid confrontation. The meeting carried on under tight tension, with leaders insisting that their message would not be silenced.
