Man Killed During Kitengela ‘Linda Mwananchi (Protect the Citizen)’ Rally in Kenya
- Human Rights Research Center
- 6 minutes ago
- 3 min read
Author: Aamnah Fatima Khan
February 17, 2026
HRRC strongly condemns the fatal shooting of Vincent Ayomo during the Kitengela rally and demands a swift, transparent, and independent investigation into the incident. HRRC calls on authorities to uphold constitutional rights, ensure accountability for any unlawful use of force and protect citizens’ freedom of peaceful protest.
On Sunday, February 15, a 28-year-old man was shot dead during the Linda Mwananchi rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna in Kitengela, Kenya. The killing is currently being investigated by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) of Kenya.
The deceased, identified as Vincent Ayomo, was struck by a bullet through the eye as he crossed the road while returning home from work. Khadija Riyami, his wife, said the family later found his body at City Mortuary after searching for him in Kitengela.
The shooting occurred when opposition leaders addressed thousands of supporters in the town. Chaos erupted when police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, though the reason for the initial deployment of police remains unclear. Witnesses reported that live bullets were also fired, forcing boda boda riders, residents and rally attendees to flee. Transport along Nairobi–Namanga Road was blocked, businesses closed and some youths engaged police in running battles.
The rally was part of the broader “Linda Mwananchi” (Protect the Citizen) campaign, which opposition leaders say seeks to defend constitutional rights, protest alleged threats by the state and challenge what they describe as rising authoritarianism and economic hardship under the current administration of President William Ruto. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has blamed Ruto for the fatal shooting of Ayomo, terming it a senseless killing by the current regime.
In response, IPOA announced on Monday that it had launched an independent inquiry into the incident. The Authority said it deployed a rapid-response team to establish the circumstances surrounding the death, determine police involvement and assess whether the force used was lawful and proportionate. IPOA extended condolences to the victim’s family and pledged to make its findings public.
Glossary
Accountability – the fact or condition of being accountable and responsible for something or an act.
Addressed – Spoke to a group of people.
Alleging – Claiming something without yet proving it.
Attendees – People who are present at an event.
Authority – An official organization with the power to make decisions.
Authoritarianism – Authoritarianism is the blind submission to authority and the repression of individual freedom of thought and action.
Boda Boda Riders – bicycles and motorcycle taxis are commonly found in East Africa.
Chaos – Complete confusion or disorder.
Condemned – Strongly criticized or expressed strong disapproval.
Condolences – Expressions of sympathy to someone who has lost a loved one.
Constitutional rights – fundamental liberties and protections guaranteed to individuals by a nation's supreme law, limiting government power and ensuring equality, freedom of speech, religion, and due process
Deceased – A person who has died.
Deployed – Sent to a place for a specific purpose.
Disperse – To make a crowd move away in different directions.
Disruption – An event that stops something from continuing normally.
Engaged (in running battles) – Took part in repeated fights or clashes.
Fatal – Deathly, lethal.
Harassment – Repeated unwanted or unfair treatment.
Independent inquiry – An investigation done without influence from others.
Involvement – Taking part in something.
Lawful – Allowed by law.
Paralysed – Stopped completely from moving or working.
Pledged – Promised seriously.
Proportionate – Not excessive; reasonable for the situation.
Rapid-response team – A group sent quickly to handle a situation.
Scatter – To run in different directions quickly.
Triggered – Caused something to happen.
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