Police swarm Nairobi as opposition leader Edwin Sifuna holds rally amid rising pre-election tension

In central Nairobi, Edwin Sifuna’s opposition rally began with a church visit and quickly became encircled by a substantial police cordon as hundreds of supporters assembled. One attendee, Juliette, voiced anxiety that President William Ruto might send forces to break up the event. Sifuna, seen as a major challenger for the 2027 presidential race, has previously faced attacks by armed groups targeting his supporters and journalists.

Similar unrest was reported at a rally for Deputy President Kithure Kindiki in Embu county, where clashes with police erupted. Human Rights Watch highlighted that six people have been killed and dozens injured in recent assaults on civil-society and political gatherings, warning that the surge in violence threatens a repeat of past election-related abuses. The organization called on Kenyan authorities to hold perpetrators accountable and break the cycle of impunity.