The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has uncovered disturbing details regarding the death of a boda boda rider during a political gathering in Mbale town, Vihiga County, this past Saturday.
On Sunday, detectives identified the victim as George Olando Otobe, a Kisumu County resident popularly known as “Omundu.” Investigators report that a mob attacked and killed Otobe after a midday dispute took a violent turn.
Preliminary findings suggest the chaos began when Otobe allegedly stabbed another man, Hussein Hassan, in the head. This act sparked an immediate and furious reaction from the surrounding crowd.
“The confrontation provoked members of the public who turned against Otobe, resulting in fatal injuries,” the DCI statement read.
Detectives at the scene recovered a knife, which they believe served as the weapon in the initial stabbing. Following the incident, authorities transported Otobe’s body to the Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary. A postmortem examination later confirmed that he died from multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob justice. His family has since transferred his remains to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for preservation.
Questions Surrounding the “Linda Mwananchi” Rally
The DCI noted that the violence coincided with the “Linda Mwananchi” rally held in nearby Kakamega, led by the embattled Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary General, Edwin Sifuna.
In light of the tragedy, the agency issued a stern reminder to the public and political leaders that the Constitution only protects assemblies that remain peaceful.
“Article 37 guarantees the right to assemble, but this right is expressly conditioned on participants being peaceful and unarmed,” the statement said.
The directorate further alleged that early evidence suggests some rally organizers may have armed their supporters. Investigators claim this move not only violated constitutional provisions but also significantly heightened the risk of the day’s deadly outcome.
“Organizers of political rallies and public gatherings must ensure supporters remain unarmed. Failure to do so endangers lives and public order,” a DCI spokesperson stated.
A Family’s Plea for Justice
As the investigation continues, Otobe’s family is demanding accountability and vocally rejecting claims that he was a “hired goon.” Supporters from the Kisumu boda boda association defended Otobe’s character, describing him as a loyal follower of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino. They maintain that Otobe was simply a participant who found himself surrounded and overwhelmed by attackers during the event.
Police are currently pursuing leads to identify the individuals involved in the mob killing and those responsible for distributing weapons prior to the rally.