The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the tragic incident of mob justice on Saturday, February 21, resulting to the death of George Olande Otobe aka Omundu, during a political rally in Mbale Town, Vihiga County.

The incident occured at around 12 noon during a political rally of the ODM ‘Linda Wananchi’ faction, led by Senators Edwin Sifuna (Nairobi) and Godfrey Osotsi (Vihiga), Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Siaya Governor James Orengo.

Preliminary investigations, the DCI says, have established that Omundu allegedy stabbed one Hussein Hassan in the head after an altercation, an act that provoked bystanders to retaliate by beating him to death.

Investigators working on the case recovered a knife from the scene, with Omundu’s body transported to Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, pending a postmortem examination.

Postmortem results

A postmortem examination conducted on Omundu’s body on Sunday, February 22 established the cause of his death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.

Following the examination, the body has since been transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) Hospital Mortuary for preservation.

According to the DCI, identification documents indicate that Omundu was a resident of Kisumu County and worked as a boda boda rider.

DCI cautions Kenyans against mob injustice

“While the Constitution of Kenya guarantees every person the right, peaceably and unarmed, to assemble, to demonstrate, to picket, and to present petitions to public authorities under Article 37, this right is explicitly conditioned on participants remaining peaceful and unarmed,” the DCI says.

The investigative agency has further reiterated that although citizens have the right of assembly, they can only exercise it peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution.

“The DCI extends its heartfelt condolences to the family, relatives, and friends of the late George Olande Otobe for this profound loss. We also wish Mr. Hussein Hassan a speedy and full recovery from his injuries.”

‘armed their supporters’

According to the DCI, preliminary investigations have also revealed that organisers of the ‘Linda Mwananchi’ rally had armed their supporters, contrary to the constitutional requirement and principles of peaceful assembly.

“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 DCI adds.

The DCI has commended the police officers on the ground on the fateful day for exercising restraint in a volatile situation, thereby preventing further escalation and potential loss of life.

The agency has has warned that 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, and the DCI remains committed to upholding justice, maintaining public safety, and protecting the rights of all Kenyans.”