Senator Sifuna Notifies Police of Kakamega Rally After Kitengela Violence

2026-02-19 region

Kakamega, 20 February 2026
Following deadly clashes at a Kitengela rally that claimed one life, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has formally notified police of his upcoming political gathering in Kakamega on 21 February 2026. The notification directly challenges Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen’s claims about inadequate briefing regarding the previous rally.

Formal Notification Procedures and WhatsApp Communications

On 19 February 2026, Senator Sifuna announced that he had sent the Kakamega rally notification to the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) of Kakamega and shared it through the Senate WhatsApp group [1]. The senator specifically mentioned that former Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen remains a member of the Senate WhatsApp group as a former senator, enabling direct communication about the planned event [1]. Sifuna stated he sent the notification directly to Murkomen’s personal WhatsApp number to prevent any future claims of ignorance regarding the rally [5]. This proactive approach contrasts sharply with the communication breakdown that preceded the violent Kitengela incident on 12 February 2026 [1].

Kitengela Rally Violence and Disputed Notifications

The Kitengela rally organised by Sifuna’s faction faced severe police intervention with teargas and live ammunition, resulting in one fatality and several injuries [1][5]. Sifuna directly blamed police action for the needless loss of life, stating there was nothing wrong with their activities [1]. Interior CS Murkomen claimed on 17 February 2026 that police had not been properly briefed about the Kitengela event, describing the lack of notification as ‘very unfortunate’ [5]. Under Kenya’s Public Order Act, rally organisers must provide written notification to area police stations at least three days but no more than 14 days before any public gathering [5]. The disputed notification process has become a central point of contention between the opposition faction and government authorities.

Local Support and Security Arrangements in Kakamega

Kakamega County bodaboda riders have pledged to protect Senator Sifuna during his visit on Saturday, 21 February 2026, for what they term the ‘Linda Wananchi’ rally [3]. Peter Ochango, chairperson of the bodaboda operators, declared ‘Sisi ndio Sifuna’ (We are Sifuna), emphasising their commitment to providing security for the senator and his counterparts [3]. The riders specifically warned police officers to avoid using teargas or live bullets, referencing the violence witnessed at Kitengela [3]. Ochango raised concerns about masked individuals who have appeared at previous rallies with intentions to cause harm and destroy property, promising that bodaboda riders would deal with anyone wearing masks during the event [3]. The local support demonstrates significant grassroots backing for Sifuna’s political activities in Western Kenya.

Political Implications for Regional Stability

The ongoing political tensions reflect broader divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) following the death of Raila Odinga on 15 October 2025, which left the party battling internal factions [7]. Sifuna’s removal as ODM secretary general has triggered internal tensions and exposed regional fault lines within the party structure [7]. Political analyst Philip Wanyonyi Wekesa suggests that Kenya’s 2027 election race will ultimately depend on pre-arranged coalitions rather than generational change, with existing coalitions already well-positioned [7]. The political instability in Western Kenya, a region with significant refugee populations and cross-border communities, could affect regional security dynamics and humanitarian operations. Local bodaboda operators have also raised concerns about poor leadership in county government affecting development in Kakamega County [3], highlighting governance issues that could impact both host and refugee communities relying on regional stability for safety and economic opportunities.

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