NAIROBI, Kenya — The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused organisers of the Linda Mwananchi political rally of allowing supporters to carry weapons during a gathering in Kakamega County that turned violent and left one person dead.
In a statement issued on Sunday, detectives confirmed the death of a supporter linked to the Saturday, February 21 event, saying preliminary findings suggested organisers permitted armed individuals into the rally venue in violation of constitutional requirements governing peaceful assembly.
“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.
The statement added, “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.”
Authorities identified the deceased as George Olande Otobe, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County.
According to investigators, George died around noon after allegedly striking another supporter on the head during a confrontation in Mbale town. Witnesses reportedly retaliated, attacking him and causing severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
His body was initially taken to Vihiga Referral Hospital before being transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation. Detectives said a knife believed to have been used in the altercation was recovered at the scene.
The Kakamega incident marked the second fatality linked to the Linda Mwananchi mobilisation. A week earlier, another supporter died in Kitengela after sustaining a single gunshot wound.
The DCI referenced Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, provided participants remain peaceful and unarmed. Investigators emphasised that organisers bear responsibility for ensuring compliance.
“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 incident has intensified political tensions within the opposition space.
Rigathi Gachagua, leader of the Democratic Change Party (DCP), alleged on social media that the deceased was a state-sponsored goon from Kisumu, accusing the Ministry of Interior and National Administration of using intimidation tactics against opposition supporters.
Meanwhile, Babu Owino claimed police officers assigned to his security were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening and had not been released by the time of publication. Authorities had yet to respond publicly to the allegations.
“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.
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The Linda Mwananchi rallies form part of a wider opposition mobilisation campaign focusing on governance, economic grievances and calls for political reforms. However, recurring violence has raised concerns among security agencies and civil society groups about crowd control, policing conduct and accountability of rally organisers.
Kenya has experienced periodic clashes at political gatherings, particularly during periods of heightened mobilisation, prompting renewed debate on enforcement of public order laws and protection of constitutional rights.
Investigations into the Kakamega violence remain ongoing, with the DCI saying those responsible will be held accountable.
