Akombe cautions Kenyans against Sifuna after his Kitengela showdown
By Mustafa Juma, February 16, 2026Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Roselyn Akombe has ignited political debate following a cryptic but pointed reaction to the rising profile of Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, just a day after his massive rally in Kitengela.
Taking to her official X account on Monday, February 16, 2026, Akombe cautioned Kenyans against what she described as “manufactured messiahs” in the political arena, charismatic leaders seemingly positioned as fierce critics of the government, only to later align with the very powers they claim to oppose.
“The games being played, waaah! They “manufacture” a charismatic messiah, throw a few teargas canisters at him (yes, it is often a him), and present him as someone fighting power. We, who love drama, fall for the ruse! Punde si punde, they are on the same table, handshakes,” Akombe wrote on X.
Recurring political cycle
Although she did not directly name Sifuna, her remarks came hot on the heels of the Nairobi Senator’s high-energy rally in Kitengela, which drew significant crowds and amplified his profile within opposition politics, with the police lobbing teargas to disperse the charged crowd.
Akombe’s message framed the phenomenon as a recurring cycle in Kenyan politics, where leaders rise on waves of public frustration, rally citizens with fiery rhetoric, and later strike political deals behind closed doors.
“The kawaida citizen is on the menu. With life getting even tougher as the loot must be shared with more people. Stop being gullible! The house always wins unless we turn the tables on them!” she stated.
Sifuna’s Kitengela rally
Sifuna, together with his team that includes Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, Saboti MP Caleb Amisi, and Suba South MP Caroli Omondi, held a Linda Mwanachi rally in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The event drew thousands of mostly young supporters to the town in Kajiado County.
Sifuna, who was recently removed as ODM Secretary General but insists he still holds the position, used the platform to criticise attempts to silence dissent.
Police officers lobbed teargas canisters into the crowd, forcing people to scatter. Thick smoke filled the area, and videos from the scene showed supporters running. Reports indicate police also fired shots in the air and damaged the sound system and dais, abruptly ending the rally.
Sifuna responded strongly after the disruption, thanking Kitengela residents for showing up despite what he called harassment.
“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 stated.