Kitengela Rally Turns Deadly: Wife Recounts How Innocent Mechanic Was Shot During Chaos

Kitengela town descended into chaos on Sunday, February 15, during a rally held by Nairobi senator Edwin Sifuna. The Linda Mwananchi event drew large crowds, but tensions quickly escalated when police fired tear gas to control the gathering. People scattered in panic as the situation became volatile.

In the midst of the disorder, 28-year-old car mechanic Vincent Ayomo, also known as Kawaya, was shot. He was not attending the rally and had only stepped out of his workshop briefly when the violence erupted. He was hit in the eye and later pronounced dead, leaving the community shocked and grieving.

Ayomo’s wife, 24-year-old Khadija Riamey, recounted her ordeal searching for her husband. She said she learned about the shooting late in the evening from a friend who was trying to locate him. Khadija visited multiple mortuaries before finally finding him at Nairobi Funeral Home, formerly City Mortuary. She described the harrowing moment she saw his body and revealed how the bullet had struck his eye and exited at the back of his head.

A post-mortem examination is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, to confirm the exact cause of death. The incident has prompted outrage from residents and activists. Fredrick Onjiro, a Vocal Africa activist, questioned why a man not involved in the rally would be shot by police.

Senator Sifuna condemned the killing, calling it a senseless act and sending condolences to Ayomo’s family. He argued that such incidents highlight why he opposes the Kenya Kwanza administration. Residents of Kitengela also criticized the police response, describing it as heavy-handed and reckless.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed that investigations into the shooting are ongoing. Vincent Ayomo’s death has become a painful reminder of the risks civilians face during political unrest. His wife’s account highlights the human cost behind headlines and political rallies.