One Confirmed Dead as Police Disrupt Sifuna's Gathering

The 28-year-old victim, identified as Vincent Ayomo, was fatally shot by police officers during the event, which was part of the "Linda Mwananchi" tour organized by Sifuna's faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). Ayomo, a local garage worker, was reportedly shot in the face while in the area for work-related errands, with family members identifying his body at the City Mortuary.

The rally, attended by prominent figures including Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, former Siaya Senator James Orengo, and Godfrey Osotsi, aimed to rally support amid ongoing ODM internal divisions and criticism of the government. Police intervened by lobbing teargas canisters into the crowd, firing shots—some allegedly in the air—and damaging the public address system and dais, causing chaos, injuries to multiple attendees, and the abrupt end of the peaceful assembly. Sifuna condemned the actions as state-sponsored violence, accusing President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen of orchestrating the attack through police and hired goons to suppress dissent and democratic participation.

In a statement released the following day, Sifuna expressed deep sorrow over Ayomo's death, describing him as an innocent participant who committed no crime and provoked no one. He vowed to pursue justice for the victim's family, hold those responsible accountable, and ensure speedy recovery for the injured. Sifuna reiterated his resolve to continue speaking out against perceived government intolerance and corruption, framing the incident as part of a broader pattern of repression against opposition voices refusing to align with the ruling administration's agenda.