Peter Salasya, the Member of Parliament for Mumias East Constituency, has asserted that the rally led by Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026, which descended into chaos after police deployed teargas and discharged shots in the air to disperse the crowd, was orchestrated and financially supported by the government.
In a statement on his social media platform X that evening, Sifuna rejected the notion that the ODM faction he leads is a government creation aimed at misleading the public into believing the party is fracturing. Salasya emphasized that the police action following the leaders’ speeches clearly indicated that the gathering did not pose an anti-government threat.
“Kitengela serves as a stark example of why individuals were teargassed, forcing them to flee after delivering their speeches, all to create the illusion of an anti-government movement while being covertly supported by the same authorities,” Salasya remarked.
Parallel rallies among ODM factions have emerged, underscoring the party’s internal conflicts. The event, part of the Linda Mwananchi tour, attracted a large crowd, predominantly composed of youthful supporters, and was organized by opposition leaders, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.
The police response included the use of teargas canisters, which compelled attendees to scatter. Reports confirmed that police also fired shots into the air and damaged both the sound system and the dais, abruptly concluding the rally.
This incident underscores the significant divisions within the ODM Party. Sifuna and his allies have been vocal against a potential alliance between ODM and the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) as the 2027 elections approach.
This situation has ignited discussions regarding the unity of the Orange Democratic Party, particularly following the recent decision by the party’s National Executive Council to remove Edwin Sifuna from his position as secretary general, a decision that was subsequently halted by the Political Tribunals court.
Simultaneously, a faction led by Party Leader Oburu Odinga conducted a parallel rally at Tononoka grounds in Mombasa County.
