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Edwin Sifuna has asserted that the use of teargas will not suppress people’s voices or halt their movements, following disturbances at the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega on Saturday.
Speaking on Fixing the Nation on NTV Kenya Tuesday morning, Sifuna dismissed claims that opposition leaders orchestrated the disruption, insisting those responsible for the teargas incident must be held accountable.
“It will take more than teargas to stop the voice and movement of the people. It is no longer possible to halt public mobilisations using these methods,” he stated.
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The rally, held under the Linda Mwananchi banner, was thrown into chaos after unidentified individuals reportedly threw teargas canisters into the crowd, causing panic and injuries.
Sifuna noted that one suspect, apprehended by attendees, was found with teargas and handcuffs — items normally restricted to police officers.
“These are equipment meant only for law enforcement,” he said, adding that two young men allegedly involved were severely beaten by an angry crowd before leaders intervened. He credited Babu Owino with helping to prevent further harm to the suspects.
Sifuna rejected claims that the opposition had staged the chaos to gain political sympathy.
“You’re blaming the wrong people,” he said, emphasizing that it is the police’s responsibility to protect lawful political gatherings.
He revealed that rally organisers had formally notified the regional police command in advance and expressed surprise that a senior officer later claimed to be unaware of the event.
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Sifuna also called on authorities to trace the serial numbers on the recovered teargas canisters to determine their origin.
“It is possible to examine these canisters and identify the police station they came from,” he said, urging the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to strengthen oversight.
While he was uncertain if the injured suspects received hospital care, Sifuna stressed that the focus should be on accountability rather than retaliation.
He also warned individuals reportedly used to disrupt political events that such actions are dangerous and could result in loss of life.
