DCI Probes Mob Killing of Kisumu Boda Boda Rider at Vihiga Political Rally,
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has released preliminary findings into the violent death of a boda boda rider during a political gathering in Mbale town, Vihiga County.
The incident unfolded on Saturday, February 21, 2026, around midday, just before or near a "Linda Mwananchi" rally associated with Nairobi Senator and ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna. The victim, identified as George Olande Otobe (also known as Omundu), a boda boda operator from Kisumu County, was fatally attacked by an angry mob after an altercation escalated.
According to the DCI, Otobe allegedly stabbed another rally attendee, Hussein Hassan, in the head during the confrontation, which provoked bystanders to retaliate violently. The mob inflicted severe head injuries on Otobe, leading to his death. A postmortem examination confirmed the cause as multiple severe head wounds consistent with mob violence, and investigators recovered a knife from the scene. Hassan survived the stabbing and is receiving treatment for his injuries. The DCI emphasized that Otobe's initial action triggered the deadly response from the crowd.
In its statement issued on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the DCI condemned the violence and reminded organizers and participants that Article 37 of the Constitution permits public assemblies only if they remain peaceful and unarmed. The agency alleged that rally organizers had armed supporters, endangering lives and breaching constitutional provisions. Investigations continue to identify and apprehend those responsible for the mob attack and any individuals involved in arming attendees, with a strong warning against turning political events into arenas of violence.
