Busia County Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has been sued after a petitioner moved to court seeking Ksh100 million in damages over an alleged violent assault and subsequent intimidation of a civilian.
The petition, filed before the Milimani High Court, accuses the governor of gross misconduct following an incident said to have occurred on March 6, 2026, at Bukri Market in Funyula Constituency during an official county event.
In the petition, the victim, Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi, a 31-year-old bodaboda rider, was allegedly attacked by the governor while standing in a queue for the distribution of certified maize seeds.
In court documents, the governor is said to have forcefully kicked him in the groin without provocation, an incident reportedly witnessed by members of the public and captured on video that later circulated widely on social media.
Yusuf, through his lawyer Danstan Omari, claims that the situation escalated after the incident, with the victim allegedly facing obstruction when seeking medical attention at Sioport and Ruambo Sub-County Hospitals. It is further alleged that the interference was linked to the governor’s office.
“The Respondent’s actions constitute gross misconduct of such gravity and persistence that they not only justify but demand the immediate commencement of impeachment proceedings by the Busia County Assembly, thereby restoring accountability, protecting citizens, and reinforcing public confidence in devolved governance,” reads the suit papers.
Yusuf claims that he reported the incident at Sioport Police Station, but he received threats soon after.
Court documents indicate that unknown individuals later visited his residence demanding that he withdraw the complaint or face consequences.
Yusuf additionally claims that he was briefly abducted before managing to escape and went into hiding.
“Despite efforts to shield himself, including changing his phone number, the victim is said to have continued receiving anonymous threats, raising serious concerns about his safety,” reads part of the suit documents.
The petitioner argues that the governor’s actions amount to violations of constitutional rights, including the right to dignity, security of the person, equality, and fair administrative action. The alleged conduct is also cited as a breach of leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Among the orders sought, the petitioner is asking the court to declare the governor unfit to hold public office, compel investigative agencies to take action, and direct the Busia County Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings under Article 181 of the Constitution.
The court is also being urged to ensure the victim is provided with security, granted access to medical care, and that the allegations are thoroughly investigated.
