Chaos broke out on Sunday February 15, 2026 in the afternoon after police lobbed tear gas to disperse a crowd attending a “Linda Mwananchi” rally in Kitengela town, where opposition leaders sharply criticized the government led by President William Ruto.
The rally, organized by a faction of ODM leaders allied to Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, had drawn hundreds of supporters chanting slogans and waving placards in his support.
Among leaders present were Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who accused sections of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership of betraying party ideals.
Speakers at the rally criticized party leader Oburu Oginga, alleging that he had overseen moves to align the party with President Ruto’s administration.
The leaders also insisted that Sifuna remains the legitimate Secretary-General despite his recent removal by the ODM National Executive Committee.
Chants of “Sisi ni Sifuna” filled the air as supporters vowed to mobilize politically ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the gathering turned tense when police officers moved in, citing security concerns.
Officers lobbed tear gas canisters into the crowd, triggering panic as demonstrators scattered in different directions.
No official statement had been released by authorities in Nairobi by Sunday evening regarding injuries or arrests.
Investigations into the incident are expected as political tensions within the opposition continue to escalate.
