2 Killed, 50 Injured in Sunday’s Kitengela Chaos, Opposition Says

2 Killed, 50 Injured in Sunday’s Kitengela Chaos, Opposition Says

Two people were killed and at least 50 others injured during violent confrontations at a political gathering in Kitengela on Sunday, according to leaders affiliated with the opposition, escalating accusations of excessive use of force by police.

The incident occurred during a rally organised by a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement associated with Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna. Witnesses said a large crowd had gathered for what organisers described as a “Linda Wananchi” public meeting when officers moved in to disperse participants using teargas and gunfire.

Family members later identified one of the deceased as 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo at Nairobi City Mortuary. Speaking to journalists, his wife recounted the moment she learned of the shooting.

“Vincent was shot when he was crossing the road from work by a policeman,” she said tearfully. “I was informed by his work friend, and upon looking for him, we found his body in the city mortuary.”

Medical sources indicated dozens of others were treated for injuries ranging from teargas inhalation to gunshot wounds, although official police figures had not been released by Monday evening.

Rally Turns Chaotic

According to witnesses, tension rose after police officers approached the rally grounds in the afternoon. Within minutes, canisters were fired into the crowd, sending participants running through nearby streets and residential areas.

Moments before the situation escalated, Sifuna had attempted to calm supporters from the podium.

“You will not disrupt our meeting. Why are you throwing teargas at us? Relax so that we can continue with the meeting. Stop threatening us,” he told officers.

Shortly afterward, another canister landed near the stage, forcing organisers to halt speeches and cut media coverage. Videos circulating online showed people leaping over trenches and fences as smoke engulfed the venue.

Later, Sifuna alleged authorities had targeted the gathering from morning hours. “The police first destroyed our sound system before teargassing us during the rally,” he wrote on social media.

Political Fallout

Opposition figures led by Eugene Wamalwa visited police headquarters seeking answers from Inspector General Douglas Kanja over the events. They claimed the violence reflected a broader pattern of repression.

“Matters of human rights are international issues. We want this picked up both locally and internationally,” Wamalwa said after the visit.

The leaders were unable to secure a meeting with the police chief and announced plans to return later in the week.

Meanwhile, Kalonzo Musyoka warned the matter could be escalated beyond Kenya if accountability was not achieved.

“We shall pursue justice through every available legal avenue, including international institutions,” he said.

Police Yet to Issue Detailed Account

Police had not issued a comprehensive statement about the deaths by Monday night, but security officials earlier indicated officers intervened to maintain order and prevent disruption of public movement.

Human rights groups called for an independent investigation into the incident, noting the growing number of violent confrontations at political gatherings in recent weeks.

Residents around the rally site said they remained shaken hours after the clashes, with some reporting damaged property and businesses forced to close early due to lingering teargas fumes.

As tensions continue to rise, the events in Kitengela have intensified debate over policing methods during political events and the balance between public order and constitutional freedoms.

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2 Killed, 50 Injured in Sunday’s Kitengela Chaos, Opposition Says