A tragic and violent incident overshadowed what was meant to be a vibrant political event in Mbale Town, Vihiga County, on Saturday, February 21, 2026, when one man was killed just hours before Edwin Sifuna ’s Linda Mwananchi rally was set to take place.
According to local authorities and eyewitness accounts, the victim died after he allegedly stabbed another individual over a political disagreement shortly before the main rally activities began.
Members of the public reportedly overwhelmed him following the assault, resulting in his death on the spot. Police confirmed the fatality and have said investigations are ongoing.
Rising Tensions Before the Rally
Days leading up to the event had already been marked by political tension and logistical challenges.
Earlier in the week, Sifuna’s campaign encountered a setback when a high-end sound system truck donated for his Linda Mwananchi tour was stoned and damaged while en route to Kakamega, an apparent act of intimidation against the team’s efforts to mobilise supporters.
The Linda Mwananchi rallies, part of Sifuna’s ongoing strategy to build grassroots support as a vocal faction within the Orange Democratic Movement opposed to a potential 2027 endorsement for President William Ruto, have drawn large crowds in different parts of the country, including Kakamega and Kitengela.
Supporters chant slogans of political defiance, and the movement has become a flashpoint in broader internal party divisions.
Chaos at Amalemba Grounds
Meanwhile, chaos erupted at Amalemba Grounds in nearby Kakamega County where Sifuna was due to speak.
Police reportedly fired tear gas to disperse parts of the crowd, forcing momentary panic among attendees.
Despite the disruption, Sifuna urged supporters to stay calm and remain peaceful as the rally continued.
He repeatedly called for restraint, cautioning youth against retaliating and emphasising that the meeting would go on as planned.
Amid the smoke and confusion, there were also reports of suspected infiltrators or “goons” entering the crowd with unclear intentions, prompting some members of the public to react violently.
In a related incident, Sifuna and Babu Owino were seen intervening to protect one such suspected intruder from being beaten by the crowd.
Political Context and Wider Implications
The Linda Mwananchi campaign has highlighted deepening fault lines within Kenyan political circles, especially within the ODM after the death of veteran leader Raila Odinga last October.
Sifuna’s faction rejects collaboration with President Ruto’s 2027 bid, while other party leaders have signalled willingness to work with the current administration.
These clashing visions have fuelled heightened political passions and intensified campaign activity across regions like Western Kenya.
For many locals, Saturday’s events in Vihiga serve as a stark reminder of the volatile mix of political contestation and public frustration that can quickly turn deadly when long-standing tensions are inflamed.
As investigations continue into the killing and the authorities seek to maintain order, political leaders on all sides are calling for calm and a peaceful democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.
FOLLOW NAIROBI NEWS ON FACEBOOK
