James Gakuya has criticised the police following chaotic scenes that disrupted a rally led by Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Gakuya accused security agencies of using excessive force against what he described as peaceful political gatherings and church meetings.
He questioned the heavy police presence at the event and the decision to lob tear gas canisters at supporters who had assembled for the rally.
“If gatherings are peaceful, why shoot to kill? Why invade a church and rallies and cause chaos?” Gakuya posed, warning that such actions risk undermining democratic gains.
The rally was cut short after anti-riot police dispersed the crowd, citing security concerns. Dramatic scenes showed supporters fleeing as tear gas smoke engulfed the venue.
The incident has since heightened political tensions, with opposition leaders accusing the National Police Service of targeting government critics.
Gakuya further claimed that the failure to arrest those allegedly responsible for the chaos suggested possible collusion.
“We don’t want to take our country back to a Banana Republic,” he said, insisting that the constitutional right to assemble must be protected.
The standoff escalated on Monday when opposition leaders visited Vigilance House to demand accountability from Inspector General Douglas Kanja.
The delegation was led by Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
They accused the police of failing to act on reported attacks targeting opposition figures and expressed concern over the absence of the Inspector General and his deputies during the visit.
Opposition leaders vowed to return later this week, framing the matter as one of accountability and human rights rather than partisan politics, signalling possible further confrontation over the Kitengela incident.
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Politics