The family of Vincent Ayoma, a 26-year-old mechanic, is demanding justice following his death during a political rally in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
The rally, organized by the “Linda Mwananchi” faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Edwin Sifuna, James Orengo, and Babu Owino, was violently disrupted by police.
According to his family, Vincent was shot while attending the rally at Kitengela town. Witnesses reported that police used live ammunition to disperse the crowd after tear gas failed to clear the area.
His father, speaking to the media, described Vincent as a hardworking young man and the sole provider for his young family. He expressed shock that a peaceful political gathering could turn fatal.
The family has vowed to delay Vincent’s burial until the police officers responsible for the shooting are identified and arrested. They have accused the police of using excessive force against unarmed civilians.Â
The rally was part of an internal power struggle within ODM, with the Sifuna-led faction defying an attempted ouster by other party members.Â
Chaos erupted when anti-riot police lobbed tear gas and reportedly fired live rounds to disperse the thousands of supporters gathered in Kitengela.Reports indicate that the rally’s dais and sound system were destroyed during the police operation.
While ODM leaders blamed state agents for the disruption, some reports suggested that the situation escalated after some individuals in the crowd allegedly attempted to raid the Kitengela Police Station and local businesses.Â
As of February 16, 2026, tension remains high in Kitengela as residents and human rights groups call for an independent investigation into the conduct of the police during the operation.
By Anthony Solly
