The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally of arming their supporters during a political gathering held in Kakamega on Saturday, February 21.
In a statement released on Sunday, the DCI confirmed the death of one supporter linked to the event, stating that preliminary investigations indicate that rally organisers allowed attendees to carry weapons into the venue, contrary to constitutional provisions governing peaceful assemblies.
“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 DCI said.
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The agency further insisted that organisers of political rallies and public gatherings must ensure their supporters remain unarmed and conduct proceedings peacefully to prevent escalation into violence.
The deceased has been identified as George Olande Otobe, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County. According to investigators, George died at around noon on Saturday following a confrontation in Mbale town.
The DCI alleges that he attacked another supporter on the head during the altercation before bystanders retaliated, assaulting him and inflicting severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
His body was initially taken to Vihiga Referral Hospital before being transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation.
Detectives also recovered a knife believed to have been used in the incident.
The Kakamega incident marks the second fatality linked to the Linda Mwananchi tour in recent weeks. A week earlier, another supporter reportedly died in Kitengela after sustaining a single gunshot wound.
Citing Article 37 of the Constitution, the DCI emphasised that the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket can only be exercised peaceably and unarmed.
“Failure to uphold this obligation contributes to breaches of public order and endangers lives,” the agency warned.
In the aftermath of the incident, Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP), alleged on social media that the deceased was a state-sponsored goon from Kisumu and accused the Ministry of Interior of using hired individuals to intimidate the opposition.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also claimed that police officers assigned to guard him were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening and had not been released by the time of publication. Authorities have yet to respond to the claims.
Investigations into the Saturday violence are ongoing, with the DCI vowing to bring those responsible to book.