A 28-year-old mechanic was shot dead on Sunday evening after violence broke out during a political rally in Kitengela, turning what had been billed as a public address into a scene of chaos marked by teargas, running battles and gunfire.
Vincent Ayomo, a father of a one-and-a-half-year-old child, had left home that morning for work. By nightfall, he was lying in a morgue with a gunshot wound below his left eye, the bullet exiting at the back of his head, according to family members.
The fatal shooting occurred amid unrest during a rally organised by factions linked to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebels led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. What began as a political meeting quickly degenerated into confrontation, with police clashing with sections of the crowd.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion as teargas canisters filled the air and people fled in different directions. Gunshots rang out as security officers attempted to disperse the gathering. It remains unclear who fired the fatal shot that struck Ayomo.
Family members said Ayomo had not indicated he would attend any political rally and believe he may have been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“He left for work like any other Sunday,” a relative said. “We were later informed he had been shot.”
Authorities had reportedly moved to stop the rally, citing security concerns, leading to confrontations between police and supporters who had gathered at the venue. Several people were injured during the melee, though official figures had not been released by the time of publication.
Ayomo’s death has renewed concerns over the use of force in managing political gatherings and the safety of bystanders during public unrest. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for restraint and accountability during crowd control operations.
Police had not issued a detailed statement on the shooting by press time, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ayomo’s death were ongoing.
As his family prepares for burial arrangements, questions remain over how a routine workday ended in tragedy, leaving behind a young child and a community grappling with yet another life lost amid political tensions.
Vincent Ayomo, a father of a one-and-a-half-year-old child, had left home that morning for work. By nightfall, he was lying in a morgue with a gunshot wound below his left eye, the bullet exiting at the back of his head, according to family members.
The fatal shooting occurred amid unrest during a rally organised by factions linked to Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) rebels led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. What began as a political meeting quickly degenerated into confrontation, with police clashing with sections of the crowd.
Witnesses described scenes of confusion as teargas canisters filled the air and people fled in different directions. Gunshots rang out as security officers attempted to disperse the gathering. It remains unclear who fired the fatal shot that struck Ayomo.
Family members said Ayomo had not indicated he would attend any political rally and believe he may have been caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.
“He left for work like any other Sunday,” a relative said. “We were later informed he had been shot.”
Authorities had reportedly moved to stop the rally, citing security concerns, leading to confrontations between police and supporters who had gathered at the venue. Several people were injured during the melee, though official figures had not been released by the time of publication.
Ayomo’s death has renewed concerns over the use of force in managing political gatherings and the safety of bystanders during public unrest. Human rights groups have repeatedly called for restraint and accountability during crowd control operations.
Police had not issued a detailed statement on the shooting by press time, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding Ayomo’s death were ongoing.
As his family prepares for burial arrangements, questions remain over how a routine workday ended in tragedy, leaving behind a young child and a community grappling with yet another life lost amid political tensions.
