During a highly charged political rally in Kakamega County on Saturday, Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino found themselves in an unexpected role, that of peacemakers, as they intervened to save at least one man from being seriously harmed by an agitated crowd.
The incident unfolded at the third leg of the Linda Mwananchi Tour held at the Amalemba Grounds, where supporters had gathered in large numbers amid simmering political tensions.
The rally, which followed previous stops in Busia and Kitengela, was already tense when police reportedly deployed teargas near the podium just as Sifuna was taking to the stage.
Panic briefly rippled through the crowd, but Sifuna urged attendees to stay put and maintain calm, even telling them to use jackets to shield themselves from the choking gas.
In the midst of the chaos, individuals perceived as “goons”, alleged to have infiltrated the event, were singled out by participants and attacked.
One young man in particular was cornered and physically assaulted by a segment of the rallygoers before the situation drew the urgent attention of the two leaders on stage.
Despite repeated appeals from Babu Owino to down their fists and show restraint, the crowd continued to strike the man.
“Don’t beat him even when he is wrong… take him to hospital,” MP Babu Owino implored.
When his words failed to stop the assault, Sifuna physically stepped in, pulling the man up and onto the raised platform to protect him from further harm.
Even as he crawled behind the dais, blows reportedly struck the man’s back.
The dramatic intervention underscored the volatile atmosphere at the rally, which has become a flashpoint in widening divisions within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
Sifuna’s faction has vocally opposed any move for the party to back President William Ruto’s re-election bid in 2027, placing him at odds with leadership loyal to Oburu Oginga, who succeeded Raila Odinga as party leader and signaled willingness to work with the current administration.
Aside from the rescue episode, the rally saw scenes of defiance against police interventions and sustained applause for Sifuna and Owino’s calls for orderly conduct.
Leaders repeatedly urged supporters not to retaliate against law enforcement, even as teargas disrupted proceedings.
By the end of the afternoon, the rally went on under heavy but determined participation, with supporters echoing chants and affirming their resolve to press ahead with their political mission despite the unrest.
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