Police block access to Ufungamano House ahead of Sifuna Rally

File image of heavy police deployment at Ufangano hose in Nairobi

Police on Friday blocked access to Ufungamano House along Mamlaka Road in Nairobi, where a section of opposition leaders had planned to hold a People’s National Delegates Conference.

The meeting had been convened by a group of Orange Democratic Movement members, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, Siaya Governor James Orengo, Vihiga Senator Geoffrey Osotsi and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino.

Security officers mounted a heavy presence around the venue throughout the morning, dispersing small groups and directing organisers to postpone the gathering.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said the move was aimed at preventing possible clashes

“They can hold their meeting any other day other than today. We are talking to the leaders to move it,” he said.

However, Osotsi maintained that the meeting would go on as planned, insisting the organisers would not be deterred.

“We, the people, shall gather for the People’s NDC at Ufungamano House, Mamlaka Road,” he said.

Tension briefly escalated as police broke up groups attempting to assemble, with some organisers accusing security officers of interfering in internal party affairs.