The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has launched investigations into a mob injustice incident that left a boda boda rider dead during a political rally in Mbale Town on Saturday, a day after Embakasi East MP Babu Owino alleged the killing was politically instigated.
In its latest statement, the DCI said the incident occurred on February 21 at about noon and resulted in the death of George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu.
According to preliminary investigations, Otobe allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head following an altercation during the rally, prompting members of the public to retaliate.
“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 DCI said.
A knife was recovered from the scene. A postmortem examination established the cause of death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. Otobe’s body was later transferred to the mortuary at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for preservation.
The DCI said identification documents indicate that the deceased was a resident of Kisumu County and worked as a boda boda rider.
INQUIRY INTO MOB INJUSTICE INCIDENT IN MBALE, VIHIGA COUNTY
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strongly condemns the tragic incident of mob injustice that occurred on February 21, 2026, at approximately 12:00 PM, resulting in the death of George Olande Otobe, aka…
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) February 22, 2026
The agency noted that the incident occurred in the vicinity of the Linda Mwananchi rally held in Kakamega on the same day and raised concerns that organisers had allegedly armed supporters.
“While the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, this right is explicitly conditioned on participants remaining peaceful and unarmed,” the DCI stated, warning that failure to uphold this obligation contributes to breaches of public order and endangers lives.
“Investigations into this incident have commenced in earnest, and all those found culpable, whether for the mob injustice or any related offences, including arming supporters, will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law. No one is above the law,” the statement added.
The DCI extended condolences to Otobe’s family and wished Hussein Hassan a speedy recovery, while also commending officers on the ground for exercising restraint.
On Saturday, Babu Owino had claimed the killing was politically motivated.
“Yesterday, Raymond Omolo sent goons who attacked and killed George Olwande, a boda boda rider in Kisumu. The only mistake he committed was to support me,” the MP alleged.
The DCI urged members of the public to provide any information that may assist in the investigations through its official reporting channels.
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