DCI reveals details behind murder of boda boda rider in Vihiga during political rally

In a statement issued on Sunday, the DCI said that George Otobe, also known as Omundu, died after being attacked by a mob following an altercation around midday.

The investigative unit's preliminary investigations established that Otobe, a resident of Kisumu County, allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head, prompting bystanders to retaliate.

“The confrontation provoked members of the public who turned against Otobe, resulting in fatal injuries,” the statement stated.

A knife believed to have been used in the incident was also recovered at the scene. 

Otobe’s body was initially taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination established the cause of death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. 

The body was later transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation.

While noting that the incident happened on the same day as the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega led by the Orange Democratic Movement's embattled Secretary General Edwin Sifuna, the DCI maintained that the Constitution allows demonstrations only if they remain peaceful and unarmed.

“Article 37 guarantees the right to assemble, but this right is expressly conditioned on participants being peaceful and unarmed,” the statement said.

The DCI further alleged that preliminary findings indicate rally organisers had armed supporters, a move it said violated the Constitution and heightened the risk of violence.

“Organisers of political rallies and public gatherings must ensure supporters remain unarmed. Failure to do so endangers lives and public order,” a DCI spokesperson said.

A further probe is underway to apprehend those involved in the mob injustice, and those involved in the alleged arming of supporters.

Meanwhile, Otobe's family is demanding justice while denying claims that their kin was a hired goon.

The Kisumu boda boda association members said Otobe was just a supporter of Embakasi East Babu Owino but was accosted by assailants during the public gathering.

Interior Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the violent incidents witnessed in the rally, faulting political leaders for choreographing violence to seek sympathy.

This comedy of going to meetings with teargas and carrying goons armed with knives and batons, that we will deal with firmly," he said during a church service in Kericho County on Sunday.