Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu says President William Ruto is “cornered and has panicked” following the massive turnout at an opposition rally in Kitengela addressed by Edwin Sifuna.

Nyutu claimed the government is deliberately disrupting peaceful gatherings to suppress growing public discontent.

Speaking on a local television station on Monday, February 16, 2026, Nyutu linked the latest police action in Kitengela, which resulted in the death of one attendee, Vincent Oyomo, to a broader strategy of intimidation.

“Allow me to first pass my deepest condolences to the family of Vincent Oyomo, who lost his life yesterday following needless police tear-gassing and mayhem against people who are assembling peacefully,” he said.

Opposition rallies

Nyutu argued that the government’s embarrassment over the January 25, 2026, teargas attack on ACK Witima Church in Othaya had briefly forced restraint, allowing subsequent opposition events in Murang’a (Gitugi) and Othaya to proceed without disruption.

“Old habits die hard,” Nyutu stated. “President Ruto is cornered and has panicked. When we are allowed to do rallies without police interference, they are becoming very successful rallies and big rallies.”

He noted that Sifuna had warned in church of plans to disrupt the Kitengela meeting, yet thousands still attended.

“Kenyans who are tired, who are offended by President Ruto’s government, and the economy and everything, are turning up in large numbers to welcome their leaders,” Nyutu said.

He argued that these large turnouts undermine Ruto’s efforts to project popularity despite lacking grassroots support.

Rally disruptions

The senator accused the administration of orchestrating disruptions to create fear and deter attendance. “These rallies have to be dispersed because the narrative has to favour William Ruto,” Nyutu asserted, questioning the justification for “reasonable force” when crowds were peaceful and posed no threat to property or life.

Nyutu further said government spokespersons have struggled to defend the police actions in Kitengela and recent weeks. The incident follows a pattern of cited sabotage against united opposition activities, including the church attack that prompted demands for accountability from Inspector General Douglas Kanja.