A peaceful 'Linda Mwananchi' rally organized by a faction of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in Kitengela on Sunday, February 16, 2026, devolved into tragic violence, resulting in the death of 28-year-old Vincent Ayomo Otieno. The ODM faction, led by embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, vehemently condemned the incident, attributing Ayomo's death to alleged gunshot wounds inflicted by police during the dispersal of a large crowd.

According to the ODM statement, which described the events as "state-sponsored acts of violence," police and "hired goons" were responsible for the fatal shooting, grave injuries to numerous others, and the vandalism of the public address system set up for the meeting. The statement underscored the unconstitutionality of the actions, asserting that peaceful Kenyans were merely exercising their guaranteed right to assembly.

Ayomo's family confirmed the fatal shooting, revealing that their loved one was shot in the face, specifically the left eye, around 6 PM. Speaking from the Nairobi Funeral Home, the family expressed profound sadness and anger over the senseless act. Vincent Ayomo, a young man who worked at a garage in Kitengela, was also a husband and the father of a one-and-a-half-year-old child, making his untimely death a devastating blow to his family.

The ODM group, spearheaded by Senator Sifuna, called for immediate accountability, insisting that both President William Ruto and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen must be held responsible for the killing. They vowed to pursue justice vigorously on behalf of the deceased's family, emphasizing that Ayomo had committed no crime and provoked nobody, but lost his life "in the fight for a better Kenya at the hands of those who are duty-bound to protect him."

The incident garnered widespread condemnation from various political figures. Siaya Governor James Orengo, ODM Deputy Party Leader Godfrey Osotsi, and Senators Richard Onyonka and Okong’o Omugeni were listed in the ODM statement. Additionally, Members of Parliament including Babu Owino, Caleb Amisi, Caroli Omondi, Anthony Kibagendi, and Julius Mawathe openly criticized the violence that marred the rally.

In response to the serious allegations, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has initiated a rapid-response probe into the alleged excessive use of force by police officers assigned to maintain law and order at the rally. IPOA stated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, determine the extent of police involvement, and assess whether the use of force was justified and proportionate according to the law. The authority has pledged to release an independent report on its findings and hold the National Police Service (NPS) accountable for any misconduct.