Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed that police were not briefed about the political rally in Kitengela led by embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party Secretary General Edwin Sifuna that drew thousands of supporters this past Sunday.
Sifuna led a rival ODM faction rally attended by Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, Siaya Governor James Orengo and ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi among other leaders.
Chaos erupted during the event after police lobbed teargas and fired shots to disperse the crowd. Following the rally, Sifuna confirmed that one person was fatally shot by police officers.
Speaking during a Huduma na Usalama mashinani forum in Nakuru County on Wednesday, Murkomen alleged that the rally took place on a market day, adding that many residents were caught up in the fracas.
He further claimed that goons had been ferried from Machakos and Nairobi to attend the meeting.
Murkomen’s remarks come as the Sifuna-led faction prepares to tour Kakamega County under the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ tour, in what is seen as a test of the faction’s popularity.
In response to the Kitengela chaos, Sifuna faulted President William Ruto and CS Murkomen for the violence, accusing them of deploying police and hiring goons to disrupt public gatherings.
“They do not respect the rights of Kenyans and are intolerant of democratic competition. They have chosen to unleash state violence on Kenyans instead of addressing the many challenges facing them,” he said.
“They wrongly believe that the use of state violence will deter Kenyans from exercising their political rights. To the contrary, Kenyans will not surrender and live on their knees. Instead, they will defend their rights and use their votes to effect change through the ballot.
Sifuna vowed to pursue legal action and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
