Babu Owino: ‘There’s no shop in Kenya that sells teargas’
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- Politics
Mr Owino called on investigators to use the Government’s serious investigation machinery to trace the source of the crowd‑control agents used at political gatherings.
Embakasi East MP Mr Babu Owino has challenged the Government to explain multiple teargas disruptions at opposition rallies, saying “there’s no shop in Kenya that sells teargas” and urging security agencies to investigate fully.
Speaking in a live KTN News interview on Monday, Mr Owino called on investigators to use the Government’s serious investigation machinery to trace the source of the crowd‑control agents used at political gatherings.
“The Government has serious investigation machineries, they should do their job,” he said, adding that ordinary citizens cannot obtain such equipment.
His remarks follow a series of teargas incidents that have disrupted opposition political activities in recent weeks.
Videos from Linda Mwananchi rally in Kitengela show police using crowd‑control tactics shortly after speakers took to the podium.
Similarly, during a rally in Kakamega County, teargas canisters were lobbed near Amalemba Grounds moments after Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna addressed supporters, causing panic and confusion before leaders urged calm.
Senator Sifuna dismissed allegations that he orchestrated the disruptions and challenged authorities to trace serial numbers on the recovered canisters to establish their origin.
“It is going to take more than teargas to stop the voice and the movement of the people,” he said, insisting accountability is needed.
Interior CS responds
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen denied that police officers were responsible for deploying teargas at these rallies, saying in a recent security briefing that officers did not use the devices under official command.
“I can tell you for sure it is not police officers who are using those teargas,” Mr Murkomen said, suggesting the canisters may have fallen into the wrong hands.
He warned politicians against inciting violence and urged all parties to ensure their gatherings remain peaceful.
Broader tensions at rallies
The teargas incidents come amid broader political turbulence, with some opposition rallies seeing clashes between supporters and police or rival groups.
In parts of Gusii region, the United Opposition’s meetings were marred by violence and teargas was used by police to disperse students confronting leaders during a tour, though authorities denied reports of goons or injuries.
Where things stand
The Government maintains investigations are ongoing and that anyone found culpable will face the law.
Opposition leaders continue to demand transparency and independent oversight, including involvement by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, to ensure accountability for disruptions at political events.