DCI Uncovers Circumstances Surrounding Killing of Boda Boda Rider at Vihiga Rally

By : Mweru Mbugua 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed new details regarding the murder of a boda boda rider during a political rally held in Mbale Town, Vihiga County, on Saturday

In a statement issued on Sunday, the agency said George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu, was fatally attacked by members of the public following a violent altercation that occurred around midday

According to preliminary investigations, Otobe — a resident of Kisumu County — allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head during a confrontation at the rally, triggering a retaliatory attack from bystanders

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

Detectives recovered a knife believed to have been used in the incident

Otobe’s body was first taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination established that he died from multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. The remains were later transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation

The incident occurred on the same day as the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega County led by Edwin Sifuna, Secretary General of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM)

While affirming that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, the DCI emphasized that demonstrations must 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 read

The agency further alleged that preliminary findings suggest some rally organisers had armed supporters — a move it said contravenes constitutional provisions and increases 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 added

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Investigations are ongoing to apprehend individuals involved in the mob attack and to probe claims of alleged arming of supporters

Meanwhile, Otobe’s family has demanded justice and dismissed claims that he was a hired goon. Members of the Kisumu boda boda association said he was a supporter of Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and was attacked during the public gathering

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the violence witnessed at the rally, accusing some political leaders of orchestrating chaos to gain sympathy

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

Authorities have pledged firm action as investigations into the incident continue