The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has faulted organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally, accusing them of arming their supporters during the Kakamega event held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, in an incident linked to a fatal mob attack in Mbale Town, Vihiga County.
In a statement issued after the incident, the DCI strongly condemned what it termed as mob injustice that resulted in the death of 35-year-old George Olande Otobe, alias Omundu, during a political gathering held in the region.
According to preliminary investigations, Otobe allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head following an altercation at around noon, prompting bystanders to turn on him in retaliation. The enraged crowd fatally assaulted Otobe before police officers could restore order.
“A knife was recovered from the scene, and Otobe’s body was transported to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem examination,” the DCI said.
A postmortem conducted later established that Otobe died from multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. His body was subsequently transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation.
Identification documents showed that Otobe was a resident of Kisumu County and worked as a boda boda rider.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Linda Mwananchi rally, which had been held in Kakamega earlier that day.
While citing Article 37 of the Constitution, the DCI emphasised that the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket is guaranteed only if exercised peaceably and without arms.
“Although citizens have the right of assembly, they can only exercise it peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the agency stated.
The DCI further alleged that organisers of the rally had armed their supporters, contrary to constitutional provisions and principles of peaceful assembly.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally had armed their supporters, contrary to the constitutional requirement and principles of peaceful assembly,” the statement read.
The agency commended officers deployed at the scene for exercising restraint in what it described as a volatile situation, noting that their actions prevented further escalation and possible additional loss of life.
The DCI extended condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and wished Hussein Hassan a quick and full recovery.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with the agency warning that all those found culpable- whether for the mob injustice or related offences, including arming supporters - will face the full force of the law.
“No one is above the law, and the DCI remains committed to upholding justice, maintaining public safety, and protecting the rights of all Kenyans,” the statement concluded.
Members of the public have been urged to share any information that may assist investigations through the toll-free hotline 0800 722 203, WhatsApp number 0709 570 000, or at the nearest police station.
The statement comes after a political rally in Kakamega County turned tense on Saturday after police fired teargas near the venue, forcing Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna to pause his speech and appeal for calm.
The incident occurred during the Linda Mwananchi campaign meeting at Amalemba Grounds, where a large crowd had gathered to welcome opposition leaders.
Sifuna was addressing supporters from the stage when the first canisters landed close to the crowd. As smoke spread across the field, some people began to run, while others tried to shield themselves from the fumes.
Despite the confusion, the senator remained on the podium and repeatedly urged those present not to respond with violence.
