Sifuna: Teargas Will Not Silence Linda Mwananchi Movement After Kakamega Chaos

Edwin Sifuna has insisted that the use of teargas will not suppress public dissent, following chaotic scenes that disrupted the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega on Saturday.

Speaking during an interview on Fixing the Nation on NTV Tuesday morning, the Nairobi Senator dismissed allegations that the opposition had orchestrated the unrest. He maintained that those responsible for throwing teargas into the gathering must be identified and held accountable.

“It is going to take more than teargas to stop the voice and the movement of the people. It will no longer be possible to stop people’s movements using these things,” Sifuna stated.

The rally, organised under the Linda Mwananchi banner, descended into confusion after unknown individuals allegedly hurled teargas canisters into the crowd, sparking panic and leaving several people injured.

Sifuna claimed that one suspect apprehended by members of the public was found carrying teargas canisters and handcuffs — items he argued are typically restricted to law enforcement officers.

“These are things that only police officers have,” he said.

According to the Senator, two young men suspected of involvement were roughed up by an angry crowd before leaders stepped in to prevent further harm. He credited Babu Owino with helping to rescue the suspects from the mob.

Sifuna rejected claims by critics suggesting that opposition leaders staged the disruption to gain political sympathy.

“You’re putting the responsibility on the wrong people,” he said, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the police to provide security for lawful political gatherings.

He further revealed that organisers had formally notified the regional police command ahead of the rally. He expressed surprise after a senior officer later claimed to have been unaware of the event.

The Senator also challenged authorities to trace the origin of the recovered teargas canisters by examining their serial numbers.

“It is possible to get those fragments and canisters and establish which police station they came from,” he said, urging stronger oversight from the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).

Although he said he was unsure whether the injured suspects had been taken to hospital, Sifuna maintained that the focus should remain on accountability rather than retaliation.

He also cautioned individuals allegedly being used to disrupt political events, warning that such actions are dangerous and could easily result in loss of life.