Linda Wananchi Rally in Kakamega Turns Deadly as Supporters Are Armed – DCI
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused the organisers of the Linda Wananchi rally of allowing their supporters to carry weapons during the Kakamega event held on Saturday, February 21. This has raised serious concerns about public safety and the proper conduct of political gatherings.
In a statement released on Sunday, the DCI confirmed that one supporter lost his life during the Kakamega rally. Early reports indicate that the organisers permitted attendees to bring weapons into the venue, a move that directly violates constitutional requirements for peaceful assembly.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that organisers of the Linda Wananchi rally had armed their supporters, which goes against the constitutional provisions and principles of peaceful assembly,” the DCI stated.
The DCI emphasized that organisers of political rallies and public gatherings have a duty to ensure their supporters remain unarmed and that events are conducted peacefully.
The statement added, “Failure to uphold this responsibility increases the risk of public disorder and puts lives in danger.”
The deceased has been identified as George Olande Otobe, a resident of Kisumu County who worked as a boda boda rider. According to the DCI, George died around noon on Saturday after reportedly attacking another rally supporter with a knife in Mbale town.
Eyewitnesses claim that bystanders retaliated against George, inflicting severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
George’s body was initially taken to Vihiga Referral Hospital for preliminary care before being transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for proper preservation. Investigators also recovered the knife allegedly used in the attack.
This incident marks the second death associated with the Linda Wananchi tour. Just a week earlier, another supporter had died in Kitengela after sustaining a gunshot wound.
The DCI highlighted Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket, provided these gatherings are peaceful and participants remain unarmed. The agency reiterated that organisers are legally responsible for ensuring that their events do not escalate into violence.
“The right of assembly can only be exercised peaceably and without weapons, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the DCI stated, warning that failing to follow these rules can lead to public disorder and put lives at risk.
In response to George’s death, DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua took to social media, claiming that the deceased was a “state-sponsored goon” from Kisumu. He accused the Ministry of Interior of using such individuals to intimidate opposition supporters.
Meanwhile, Babu Owino claimed that police officers assigned to protect him were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening following the rally. As of the time of his statement, the officers had not been released, and the charges against them remained unknown.
“Yesterday, my security officers were arrested by the police in Kisumu. Up to this moment, they have not been released, and the charges against them remain unknown,” Babu Owino said, expressing concern over the incident.
Investigations into the chaotic events at the Kakamega rally are ongoing, with the DCI vowing to hold all those responsible accountable for their actions and ensure justice is served.
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