Chaos erupted on Sunday, February 15, 2026, when police fired tear gas to disperse attendees at a “Linda Mwananchi” rally in Kitengela town, where opposition leaders strongly criticized the administration of President William Ruto.
The event, organized by a faction of ODM leaders supporting Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, attracted thousands of supporters chanting slogans and displaying banners in his favor.
Present leaders included Siaya Governor James Orengo and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who alleged that certain members of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) leadership had abandoned the party’s principles.
Orators at the gathering criticized party leader Oburu Oginga, claiming he had directed efforts to align the party with President Ruto’s government.
The leaders also maintained that Sifuna remains the rightful Secretary-General despite his recent dismissal by the ODM National Executive Committee.
Supporters filled the air with “Sisi ni Sifuna” chants as they pledged to organize politically for the 2027 general elections.
Nevertheless, the event became tense when police intervened, citing security concerns as their reason.
Police officers launched tear gas canisters into the crowd, causing panic as protesters dispersed in various directions.
By Sunday evening, no official statement had been issued by Nairobi authorities regarding injuries or detentions.
However, Sifuna suggested that there was a deliberate attempt to prevent the rally from proceeding as planned, claiming that their sound system and stage were also destroyed.
Inquiries into the incident are anticipated as political tensions within the opposition continue to intensify.