The Edwin Sifuna-led rally in Kitengela turned chaotic on Sunday, February 15, 2026, after police fired teargas and shots in the air to disperse the crowd.

The event, part of the Linda Mwananchi tour, was organised by a faction of opposition leaders including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. It drew thousands of mostly young supporters to the town in Kajiado County.

The rally began peacefully. Supporters gathered along the Nairobi-Namanga Road, causing traffic disruptions.

Sifuna, recently removed as ODM Secretary General but insisting he still held the position, used the platform to criticise attempts to silence dissent.

“When you defeat them in debate, they resort to violence. They have said they will disrupt any rally we hold,” he said earlier during a church service in Kitengela with party rebels.

Rally disrupted by 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. He thanked Kitengela residents for showing up despite what he called harassment.

“Thank You Kitengela. Inspite of all the harassment, intimidation and violence from this morning you showed up. They first destroyed our dais and sound equipment in the morning, the state goons have now teargassed a peaceful assembly and brought it to an abrupt end. We shall not relent.”

The incident highlights deep divisions within ODM. Sifuna and his group oppose what they call an emerging coalition between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ahead of the 2027 elections.

The disruption comes at a tense time in Kenyan politics, with elections approaching and party factions competing fiercely for influence. Sifuna has vowed to continue the Linda Mwananchi tour, ODM, and challenge what he calls illegal moves against him.

“We shall fight for this great institution until the very end, and we will challenge every illegality in the courts of law and in the court of public opinion. Surrender is not an option for us,” he said in a recent message.