The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has strongly condemned the death of a Kisumu resident from mob injustice in Vihiga County.
In a lengthy statement shared on X on Sunday, February 22, 2026, the DCI said the late died after being beaten by members of the public.
According to the DCI statement, hell broke loose when the late stabbed another man during a political rally in Mbale Town.
In the statement, the agency said the tragic incident occurred on February 21, 2026, at around noon, leading to the death of George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu.
How the violence unfolded
The DCI said preliminary investigations had established that Otobe allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head following an altercation, triggering an angry reaction from bystanders.
“Preliminary investigations have established that Otobe allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head after an altercation, provoking bystanders to retaliate against Otobe, which ultimately resulted in his death,” the statement read.
A knife was recovered from the scene as part of the evidence. Otobe’s body was initially taken to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary pending a postmortem.
According to the DCI, a postmortem examination conducted on Sunday established that the cause of death was multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
After the examination, the body was transferred to the mortuary at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for preservation.
Identification documents showed that Otobe was a resident of Kisumu County and worked as a boda boda rider.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Linda Mwananchi rally that was held in Kakamega on the same day.
Constitutional rights
While acknowledging that the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions under Article 37, the DCI stressed that this right must be exercised peacefully and unarmed.
“The DCI reiterates that although citizens have the right of assembly, they can only exercise it peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the agency stated.
The investigative agency further claimed that preliminary findings indicate organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally had armed their supporters, contrary to constitutional requirements.
“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,” the statement added.
The DCI commended officers on the ground for exercising restraint in what it described as a volatile situation, saying their actions prevented further loss of life.
Investigations have since commenced, with the agency warning that all those found culpable, whether for the mob injustice or related offences, including arming supporters, will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
The DCI extended condolences to the family and friends of the late Otobe and wished Hussein Hassan a speedy recovery.
Members of the public were urged to share any information that could aid investigations through the toll-free number 0800 722 203, WhatsApp 0709 570 000, or by reporting to the nearest police station.
