Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has firmly rejected suggestions that he orchestrated the teargassing that disrupted a political rally in Kakamega, calling the claims baseless and politically charged.
He said it would be unreasonable for him to sabotage an event he personally funded and organised, stressing that the accusations lack logic.
The Senator insisted that he and his team will not be intimidated, highlighting that citizens have the constitutional right to gather and voice their opinions freely. He argued that attempts to blame him for the chaos were misplaced and politically motivated.
“The government is turning this against us, but they are the ones who are causing violence in these meetings. You tell me, how can I plan a meeting with my money, and teargas people in the same meeting, capture the one who has released the teargas, and beat them up? How is that possible?” He said.
“We will not be threatened. Kenyans have the right to assemble and walk. They have the freedom to speak whatever they want. We are in a democratic country.”
The incident occurred on Saturday, February 21, during the Linda Mwananchi rally at Amalemba Grounds. As the senator addressed the crowd from the stage, teargas was thrown into the gathering, briefly creating panic.
Despite the disturbance, Sifuna maintained composure, urging supporters not to react violently or flee.
He repeatedly called for calm, instructing the youth to avoid retaliating or throwing stones and to face the provocation with restraint.
"Vijana leo tusitupie polisi mawe, wacha watupe teargas sisi tusitupe mawe. Wakitupa teargas tunazima kama bhangi ya jana," he told the crowd from the podium.
The rally marked Sifuna’s high-profile political presence in Kakamega County, joined by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as part of the ongoing campaign. Supporters welcomed the leaders with a colorful motorcade, loud music, and chants, demonstrating strong public turnout.
Shortly before Sifuna took the stage, teargas canisters were hurled near the venue, momentarily causing chaos. Sifuna used the tense situation to reaffirm that the campaign would continue across the country, although activities would pause temporarily to respect the Ramadan period, following consultations with Muslim leaders.
Separately, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations is probing a mob violence incident that occurred during the rally. The agency reported that George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu, died after allegedly stabbing a local resident, sparking a violent response from bystanders.
A knife was recovered at the scene, and Otobe’s body was initially taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary. The postmortem revealed that he died from multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. His body was later transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation.
