Edwin Sifuna, Babu Owino Condole Family of Man Shot Dead After Kitengela Rally

Kitengela, Kenya — Senior leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) have visited the family of Vincent Ayomo, a man shot dead by police hours after a political rally in Kitengela, intensifying pressure on authorities over the use of force during opposition gatherings.

The visit was led by Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino, who said they were representing the #LindaMwananchi campaign team.
Ayomo was killed on 15 February, the same day police violently dispersed a rally held in Kitengela, an incident that has since sparked outrage among opposition leaders and human rights activists.

“We are in Kitengela with Babu Owino on behalf of the #LindaMwananchi team to condole with the family of Vincent Ayomo, who was shot dead by police on 15th of February,” Sifuna said.

“Shot Dead for No Reason”
Sifuna accused police of using excessive force and said Ayomo’s killing was unjustified.

“Vincent was shot dead for no reason, hours after our rally in Kitengela had been violently dispersed by police,” he said.

“We will continue to demand that justice be served for Vincent — the latest needless death in Ruto’s legacy.”

The ODM secretary-general said political rallies should not result in loss of life and warned that continued police violence risked undermining democratic freedoms.

Babu Owino stated “We Now Have a Widow Who Doesn’t Know Where to Start”
Babu Owino said the family had been left devastated, noting that Ayomo was the sole breadwinner.

“Today, we visited the family of Vincent Ayomo who was shot dead by the police in Kitengela,” the MP said.

“We have taken care of the funeral expenses because this family needs immediate support,” he added.
He accused police officers of instigating violence and later shifting blame to civilians.

“We are experiencing violence that is instigated by police officers, and then the same officers claim the violence is self-orchestrated. That is a blatant lie,” Babu Owino said.

“We now have a widow here who doesn’t know where to start.”

In a joint message, the leaders expressed sympathy for Ayomo’s family.

“Political rallies should be spaces for dialogue, not tragedy. The loss of Vincent Ayomo at the Kitengela rally is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” they said.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his widow, Khadija, and their infant child during this painful time.”

They called for a swift and transparent investigation.

“We urge the authorities to protect, not endanger, citizens exercising their democratic rights,” the statement read.
“May his soul rest in peace.”

Background: What Happened at the Kitengela Rally?

The Kitengela rally was organised under the Linda Mwananchi banner, a political mobilisation campaign that has criticised the government over the high cost of living, governance concerns, and alleged police brutality.

Police moved in to disperse the gathering, citing security concerns. Witnesses reported chaos as tear gas was fired, forcing supporters to flee. Hours later, Vincent Ayomo was shot dead in circumstances that remain under investigation.

His death has since become a focal point in the opposition’s campaign against police violence.

ODM After Raila Odinga: Leadership Transition and Internal Tensions

The incident comes at a sensitive time for ODM following the death of its longtime leader Raila Odinga in October 2025.
Following his death, ODM appointed his brother, Oburu Oginga, as Acting Party Leader, as the party navigates a transitional period ahead of the 2027 general election.

Political analysts say ODM is currently split into two broad factions. One group, associated with leaders such as Sifuna and Babu Owino, favours mass mobilisation and public pressure through rallies and grassroots campaigns.

Another faction advocates for structured engagement and institutional dialogue to avoid confrontations that could lead to loss of life.

The killing of Vincent Ayomo has further exposed these tensions, placing renewed focus on how opposition politics is conducted — and at what cost.

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