The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally of arming their supporters during the political gathering held in Kakamega on Saturday, February 21.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the investigative agency confirmed that one supporter lost his life in connection with the chaotic events that unfolded during the rally.
According to preliminary investigations, organisers allegedly allowed supporters to enter the venue armed, contrary to constitutional requirements 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.
The agency further stressed that political rally organisers must take responsibility for ensuring that their supporters remain unarmed and conduct themselves peacefully to prevent violence.
“The DCI firmly insists that organisers of all political rallies and public gatherings must ensure their supporters remain unarmed and conduct proceedings in a peaceful manner to prevent escalation into violence. Failure to uphold this obligation contributes to breaches of public order and endangers lives,” the statement added.
The deceased was identified as George Olande Otobe, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County. According to the DCI, George died at around noon on Saturday after allegedly attacking another supporter during a confrontation in Mbale town.
Witnesses indicated that he struck another individual on the head, prompting bystanders to retaliate. He sustained 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 confirmed that a knife allegedly used in the altercation was recovered at the scene.
The Kakamega incident marks the second fatality linked to the Linda Mwananchi tour. A week earlier, another supporter reportedly died in Kitengela after sustaining a single gunshot wound.
Citing Article 37 of the Constitution, the DCI reiterated that the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket is guaranteed only when exercised peaceably and without weapons.
The agency maintained that organisers bear the obligation to prevent supporters from carrying weapons or engaging in acts of violence.
“The right of assembly can only be exercised peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the DCI emphasised.
In response to the death, Rigathi Gachagua alleged on social media that the deceased was a state-sponsored operative from Kisumu and accused the Ministry of Interior of using hired goons to intimidate opposition supporters.
Separately, Babu Owino claimed that police officers assigned to his security detail were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening and had not been released by the time of publication. Authorities had not issued a statement addressing those claims.
Investigations into the mayhem are ongoing, with the DCI affirming that those responsible for the violence will be apprehended and prosecuted.
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Politics