Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna has strongly condemned the fatal shooting of Mr. Vincent Ayomo and the reported violent mistreatment of citizens attending a peaceful political rally in Kitengela, describing the incidents as “unwarranted and deeply regrettable.”
Speaking on Thursday, Sifuna emphasized that it is not within the mandate of the country’s leadership to determine which gatherings may proceed and which should be prohibited. “The right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in our Constitution. Every Kenyan has the right to gather, speak, and engage politically without fear of harassment or violence,” he said.
The senator expressed concern over reports of heavy-handed policing, which left several attendees injured. He noted that excessive use of force at public events not only endangers lives but also erodes public confidence in law enforcement agencies tasked with protecting citizens.
Sifuna urged authorities to exercise restraint and uphold constitutional freedoms, stressing that the government’s role is to safeguard, rather than suppress, the rights of citizens. “Violence against peaceful assemblies is unacceptable. The state must protect its citizens, not intimidate them,” he said.
He also called for a thorough investigation into the shooting of Mr. Ayomo, urging accountability for those responsible. The incident has sparked public outrage, with citizens demanding justice and calling for reforms in how security agencies manage political gatherings.
The remarks come amid a tense political climate, with opposition and civil society groups increasingly highlighting concerns over the curtailment of civil liberties. Sifuna’s statement aligns with these calls, reiterating the need for government officials to respect the rule of law and ensure that citizens can participate freely in political processes.
Observers note that incidents like the one in Kitengela could have broader implications for democratic governance in Kenya. Analysts warn that failure to protect constitutional rights may fuel public distrust and potentially escalate political tensions ahead of upcoming elections.
Sifuna concluded by stressing that political engagement should be safe for all Kenyans. He urged security agencies to review their crowd-control policies and ensure that peaceful rallies are not met with aggression. “The safety and dignity of citizens must always come first. Any violation of this principle is a violation of the Constitution itself,” he said.
The senator’s comments are expected to reignite debates on the balance between security and civil liberties in Kenya, as citizens continue to demand accountability and protection of their fundamental rights.
