Africa-Press – Kenya. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the teargassing incident reported during a political rally in Kakamega, terming the claims illogical and politically motivated.
Sifuna said it would make no sense for him to disrupt a meeting he had personally organised and financed. The senator maintained that he and his allies would not be intimidated, insisting that Kenyans have constitutional rights to assemble and express their views.
“The government is turning this against us, but they are the ones who are causing violence in these meetings. You tell me, how can I plan a meeting with my money, and teargas people in the same meeting, capture the one who has released the teargas, and beat them up? How is that possible?” He said.
“We will not be threatened. Kenyans have the right to assemble and walk. They have the freedom to speak whatever they want. We are in a democratic country.”
On Saturday, February 21, Sifuna stood his ground in Kakamega as teargas was lobbed at the Linda Mwananchi rally, urging supporters to remain calm and resist confrontation with police even as the meeting was disrupted.
Sifuna, who was addressing the crowd from the stage when the teargas was fired, appealed to attendees not to retaliate or flee, telling them to avoid throwing stones and instead remain peaceful despite the provocation.
As the gas spread, some attendees attempted to flee. The senator repeatedly asked supporters not to retaliate, telling them to remain at the venue and avoid clashing with police.
“Vijana leo tusitupie polisi mawe, wacha watupe teargas sisi tusitupe mawe. Wakitupa teargas tunazima kama bhangi ya jana,” he said while on the podium.
The rally, held at Amalemba Grounds, marked Sifuna’s high-profile entry into Kakamega County alongside Embakasi East MP Babu Owino as part of the ongoing Linda Mwananchi campaign.
Their arrival drew huge crowds, with supporters escorting the leaders in a lively motorcade accompanied by loud music and chanting. Moments before Sifuna took to the stage, teargas canisters were hurled near the venue, briefly throwing the area into chaos.
Sifuna used the tense moment to project composure, telling supporters that the movement would continue its nationwide tour but would momentarily slow down in respect of the Ramadan period, following consultations with Muslim leaders.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched investigations into a mob justice incident that occurred during the Sifuna-led rally. DCI said the incident happened at about noon during a political rally held by embattled ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, resulting in the death of George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu.
According to preliminary findings, Otobe allegedly stabbed a resident in the head following an altercation, prompting bystanders to retaliate against him. The confrontation escalated into mob violence that led to Otobe’s death.
DCI said they recovered a knife at the scene, and Otobe’s body was taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary pending postmortem examination. The DCI added that the autopsy established the cause of death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. The body was transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation.
