Babu Owino and Edwin Sifuna Teargassed in Narok Rain Rally Chaos

Edwin Sifuna was teargassed and hit hard in Narok today when police lobbed canisters straight at the stage during a Linda Mwananchi rally. Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo all took the full force of the gas while heavy rain poured down, turning what should have been a straightforward political stop into another ugly scene on the streets of Narok Town.

The leaders had pushed through the bad weather from the start. They arrived ready to talk to the crowd, umbrellas up and voices loud, even as the skies opened up. Minutes after Sifuna stepped to the podium, the first canister flew in. It landed close enough to choke everyone nearby.

Supporters scattered fast, coughing and wiping their eyes. The three men stood their ground longer than most, but the gas got to them too. Witnesses said the leaders looked badly affected, struggling for air while rain mixed with the stinging cloud.

This came during the ongoing Linda Mwananchi tour, a series of opposition meetings meant to connect directly with people across different counties. Narok was the latest stop, and the turnout looked solid despite the downpour.

People had gathered under tents and trees, waiting to hear what the team had to say. Then the disruption hit without much warning. One video from the ground showed the exact moment the canister dropped near the podium. Chaos followed in seconds.

Rain made everything worse. The gas hung low in the wet air instead of drifting away. Leaders and supporters alike ended up soaked and gasping. Babu Owino and James Orengo stayed close to Sifuna as the crowd pushed back.

Some reports say the men wiped tears and caught their breath before trying to calm things down. No one needed hospital treatment on the spot, but the images of them struggling in the rain have already spread far and wide.

It feels like another horrible moment in a string of similar ones. Just weeks back the same group faced tear gas at other stops on the tour. Each time the message from the leaders stays the same: they will keep going no matter what.

Sifuna himself spoke out right after the latest incident, telling anyone listening that it would take more than a few canisters to silence the movement. His words carried extra weight while everyone still coughed from the fresh gas.

Narok residents watched it all unfold from shop verandas and nearby roads. Some joined the rally earlier, hoping for straight talk on local issues. Others stayed back once the trouble started.

The heavy rain kept most people from running far, so the gas affected a bigger group than usual. Traders who had closed early to listen shook their heads at the sight. One older man nearby said simply that politics should not leave people fighting for air in the middle of a storm.

Social media picked up the story almost immediately. Kenyans shared quick videos and photos showing the leaders in the rain, eyes red and shirts wet. Comments poured in from both sides. Some called it heavy-handed policing and demanded answers from the authorities.

Others pointed out that rallies need permits and calm crowds. The divide showed up fast, but the pictures of Sifuna, Owino and Orengo pushing through the gas brought a wave of sympathy from many who just wanted to see the event finish peacefully.

The timing adds to the tension. Kenya’s political air stays thick these days, and every rally draws extra eyes. The Linda Mwananchi team has visited several towns already, drawing crowds and plenty of questions. Today’s stop in Narok was supposed to focus on local concerns and national matters.

Instead, the tear gas shifted the focus to safety and how police handle these events. No official word has come yet on why the canister flew when it did, but the opposition side already calls it an attempt to shut down voices.

For the three men involved, this marks another tough day on the road. Edwin Sifuna keeps leading the charge with his usual energy. Babu Owino brings his street-smart style and quick reactions.

James Orengo adds the steady experience many rely on. They shook off the gas and kept speaking once the air cleared a bit, showing the kind of grit their supporters admire. Still, the images of them struggling under the rain will stick with people for a while.

Ordinary Kenyans watching from home or phones feel the weight of these repeated scenes. Many remember past years when similar clashes happened during election periods or big protests. The rain today turned a normal disruption into something that looked even messier.

Parents worry about young people getting caught in the middle. Workers wonder if this kind of tension helps anyone in the long run.

Police have not released a full statement yet, but they often cite crowd control when things get heated. Rally organisers say they followed all the right steps and simply wanted to talk with residents.

The gap between those views leaves plenty of room for debate in the coming hours. What stays clear is that the leaders took the hit today, braved the weather and the gas, and kept going.

As evening sets in, Narok town returns to its usual pace. The rain slows down. The crowd heads home. But the conversation around this latest teargas moment will keep running strong.

Supporters send messages of solidarity to Sifuna, Owino and Orengo. Critics ask for more order at future stops. Everyone agrees on one thing: no one should have to fight through teargas and heavy rain just to hear a speech.

This stop on the tour may have ended early, but the bigger journey continues. The leaders plan more rallies ahead, and Kenyans will keep watching how each one plays out. For now, the focus stays on the three men who stood in the rain today and refused to back down.

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