Martha Karua has condemned the violent disruption of a political rally in Kitengela, describing the police response as excessive and inconsistent with constitutional protections.
Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, the People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader said the events reflected a worrying pattern of intolerance toward lawful public assembly.
The unrest occurred on Sunday during a “Linda Mwananchi” rally led by Edwin Sifuna that attracted large crowds and several opposition leaders.
Witnesses reported that anti-riot police arrived in large numbers shortly after speeches began, forming barricades along access roads and ordering the gathering to disperse.
Tension escalated when officers fired tear gas canisters into the crowd, sending thousands of attendees fleeing in panic.
Traders shut their shops as choking smoke spread through the town centre, while boda boda riders scrambled to evacuate passengers from the affected areas.
Some youths responded by chanting anti-government slogans and hurling stones, prompting further police action.
Residents reported hearing gunshots amid the chaos. In the confusion, a 28-year-old man, identified by family members as Vincent Ayomo Otieno, was fatally shot near the rally vicinity while heading home from work.
Several people were also treated for injuries linked to stampedes, tear gas exposure, and projectile wounds.
Karua said the use of force against civilians exercising their rights was unacceptable.
“What happened in Kitengela was deeply shameful. Leaders and citizens should not be met with unnecessary tear gas simply for exercising their constitutional right to assemble,” she said.
She urged Kenyans to reject political violence and called on the government of William Ruto to guarantee civil liberties and accountability.