DCI Accuses Linda Wananchi Politicians of Arming Followers After Supporter’s Death
The DCI Linda Wananchi rally death investigation has taken a serious turn after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations accused organisers of the political tour of arming supporters during a rally in Kakamega County.
In a statement released Sunday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that one supporter died following violent scenes at the Saturday, February 21 rally. Detectives said preliminary findings suggest rally organisers allowed supporters to enter the venue while armed — a move they described as unconstitutional.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally had armed their supporters, contrary to the constitutional requirement and principles of peaceful assembly,” a statement from DCI read.
How the Kakamega Rally Turned Deadly
According to investigators, the deceased was identified as George Olande Otobe, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County.
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Reports indicate George allegedly attacked another supporter during a confrontation in Mbale town shortly before noon. Witnesses say the situation escalated quickly, with bystanders retaliating and inflicting severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
His body was first 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 during the confrontation was recovered at the scene.
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DCI Warns Rally Organisers Over Constitutional Violations
The DCI pointed to Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate, and picket — but strictly on condition that participants remain peaceful and unarmed.
“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 right of assembly can only be exercised peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the DCI added, warning that failure to uphold this obligation contributes to breaches of public order and endangers lives.
The agency stressed that organisers bear direct responsibility for maintaining order at political events.
Second Death Linked to Linda Wananchi Tour
Saturday’s tragedy marked the second fatal incident associated with the Linda Wananchi political tour. Just a week earlier, another supporter reportedly died in Kitengela after sustaining a single gunshot wound.
The back-to-back incidents have intensified scrutiny over security arrangements at political gatherings across the country.
Political Leaders Trade Accusations
Following the rally, Rigathi Gachagua took to social media, alleging that the deceased was a state-sponsored goon from Kisumu. He accused the Ministry of Interior of attempting to intimidate the opposition through hired individuals.
Meanwhile, Babu Owino claimed that police officers assigned to guard him were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening and had not been released at the time of publication.
“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 stated.
Authorities have yet to issue a formal response to these allegations.
Investigations Ongoing
The DCI has vowed to continue investigations into the Kakamega mayhem, promising that those responsible will face the law.
As political temperatures rise, the agency has reiterated its call for peaceful engagement, warning that disregard for constitutional provisions could lead to further loss of life.
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DCI Accuses Linda Wananchi Politicians of Arming Followers After Supporter’s Death
