Heavy police deployment for Kenya opposition rally

NAIROBI - A large police presence was stationed in Nairobi for a political rally by rising opposition figure Edwin Sifuna on Sunday, amid escalating political violence in recent weeks. Sifuna, 44, is seen as President William Ruto's most formidable challenger in the 2027 re-election. The rally commenced with a visit to a church in central Nairobi where hundreds of supporters had already amassed, accompanied by a significant number of police officers keeping watch.

Sifuna, who has been traveling across the country in recent weeks, has gained traction by capitalizing on public discontent over corruption and political unrest. However, critics argue that his youth and lack of experience disqualify him from the presidency. As he began his speech, one attendee, Juliette, 41, expressed apprehension, fearing the president might dispatch "goons" to disrupt the event.

Rallies organized by Sifuna have been marred by confrontations with armed groups, resulting in attacks on his supporters and journalists. Such disruptions have been a recurring issue during his nationwide tour. In a separate incident on Saturday, Sifuna's rival, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, faced a similarly tumultuous rally in Embu county, north of Nairobi.

Dozens were injured, and six people were reported killed during clashes with police, according to Human Rights Watch. The organization cautioned that this series of violent incidents, as the election cycle approaches, risks reverting to the human rights violations that have marred previous Kenyan elections. Human Rights Watch's deputy Africa director, Carine Kaneza Nantulya, stressed the urgent need for authorities to curb this cycle of violence, ensuring those responsible cannot operate with impunity.