Tear Gas, Tension and Defiance as Sifuna, Orengo Lead Charged Linda Mwananchi Rally in Kitengela

By Kimagata Marindany

Police lobbed tear gas canisters to disperse sections of a charged crowd during a high-profile political rally in Kitengela on Sunday, as thousands of supporters gathered for the Linda Mwananchi Tour led by Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo.

The rally, held in Kajiado County’s fast-growing township, attracted large numbers of opposition supporters, many chanting anti-government slogans, including “Ruto Must Go,” in reference to President William Ruto.

The heavy turnout underscored simmering political tensions both within the opposition and nationally.

Police officers moved in shortly after leaders began addressing the crowd, firing tear gas that sent supporters scrambling for safety. Some sought refuge in nearby shops and buildings as clouds of smoke engulfed parts of the venue.

It was not immediately clear what triggered the confrontation, though organisers accused authorities of attempting to disrupt the gathering.

“Why do they want to destroy our meeting?” Sifuna asked as sections of the crowd scattered. His remarks were met with chants and applause from supporters who regrouped moments later.

The Kitengela rally marked the first major public political engagement by Sifuna since his controversial removal as Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), a move that exposed deep divisions within the party. The internal wrangles have pitted rival factions against each other, raising questions about ODM’s unity ahead of future political contests.

In his address, Sifuna struck a defiant tone, insisting he would not be intimidated or silenced by political setbacks.

He accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of corruption and poor governance, saying opposition leaders had a duty to hold the government accountable.

“We will not fear anything,” Sifuna declared to roaring cheers. “We will continue to speak the truth so that we protect the citizens… even if they do away with Sifuna, more than 15 million Sifunas will continue with this mission.”

Orengo, a long-time opposition stalwart, echoed the call for resilience and unity. He urged party supporters to remain steadfast and defend democratic space, arguing that internal disagreements within ODM should not weaken the broader struggle for accountability and social justice.

The Linda Mwananchi Tour, which organisers say aims to “defend the rights and voices of ordinary Kenyans,” is expected to roll out in several counties in the coming weeks, setting the stage for heightened political activity amid an increasingly polarized national climate.