Speaking on a local television station on Monday, February 16, 2026, Nyutu argued that the government has resorted to disrupting opposition gatherings to counter what he described as growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration.
According to the senator, the events in Kitengela — which reportedly turned chaotic after police intervention — are part of a broader pattern of intimidation aimed at discouraging citizens from attending opposition functions.
One attendee, Vincent Oyomo, lost his life following the confrontation, an incident that has since sparked outrage among opposition leaders.
“Allow me to first pass my deepest condolences to the family of Vincent Oyomo, who lost his life yesterday following needless police tear-gassing and mayhem against people who are assembling peacefully,” Nyutu said.
“Allow me to first pass my deepest condolences to the family of Vincent Oyomo, who lost his life yesterday following needless police tear-gassing and mayhem against people who are assembling peacefully,” Nyutu said.
Opposition rallies under scrutiny
Nyutu maintained that recent opposition rallies have drawn unexpectedly large crowds, a development he believes has unsettled the ruling establishment.
Nyutu maintained that recent opposition rallies have drawn unexpectedly large crowds, a development he believes has unsettled the ruling establishment.
He referenced the January 25, 2026, teargas incident at ACK Witima Church in Othaya, saying the backlash that followed briefly forced security agencies to exercise restraint during subsequent meetings in Murang’a and Othaya.
“Old habits die hard,” Nyutu stated. “President Ruto is cornered and has panicked. When we are allowed to do rallies without police interference, they are becoming very successful rallies and big rallies.”
He added that Sifuna had warned congregants during a church service that there were plans to disrupt the Kitengela meeting, yet thousands still turned up.
“Kenyans who are tired, who are offended by President Ruto’s government, and the economy and everything, are turning up in large numbers to welcome their leaders,” he said.
Claims of narrative control
Nyutu further alleged that the administration is keen on shaping a narrative that portrays the President as enjoying widespread support, despite what he termed as mounting public discontent.
“These rallies have to be dispersed because the narrative has to favour William Ruto,” he asserted. “What reasonable force are you applying when citizens are peaceful and posing no threat to life or property?”
The senator also questioned the consistency of government communication following the Kitengela incident, claiming that spokespersons have struggled to justify the police action.
The Kitengela events have intensified debate over the handling of political gatherings and the role of security agencies in managing public order.
“Old habits die hard,” Nyutu stated. “President Ruto is cornered and has panicked. When we are allowed to do rallies without police interference, they are becoming very successful rallies and big rallies.”
He added that Sifuna had warned congregants during a church service that there were plans to disrupt the Kitengela meeting, yet thousands still turned up.
“Kenyans who are tired, who are offended by President Ruto’s government, and the economy and everything, are turning up in large numbers to welcome their leaders,” he said.
Claims of narrative control
Nyutu further alleged that the administration is keen on shaping a narrative that portrays the President as enjoying widespread support, despite what he termed as mounting public discontent.
“These rallies have to be dispersed because the narrative has to favour William Ruto,” he asserted. “What reasonable force are you applying when citizens are peaceful and posing no threat to life or property?”
The senator also questioned the consistency of government communication following the Kitengela incident, claiming that spokespersons have struggled to justify the police action.
The Kitengela events have intensified debate over the handling of political gatherings and the role of security agencies in managing public order.
Opposition leaders have called for accountability from Inspector General Douglas Kanja, even as the government maintains that law enforcement officers act within the law to preserve peace and prevent disorder.
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