The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused organizers of the Linda Mwananchi rally in Kakamega of allowing supporters to carry weapons, leading to clashes and the death of one attendee. This marks the second death from the tour, with opposition leaders accusing the government of targeting the event. Investigations are ongoing, and DCI has called for peaceful, unarmed gatherings.
On February 21, 2026, the Linda Mwananchi rally led by Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino took place in Kakamega but was marred by violence. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the death of George Olande Otobe, a boda boda rider from Kisumu County, who died around noon on Saturday after allegedly attacking another supporter with a knife in Mbale town. Bystanders retaliated, inflicting severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
George's body was taken to Vihiga Referral Hospital before being transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary. The knife used in the attack was recovered at the scene. This is the second death from the tour; the first occurred in Kitengela from a single gunshot wound a week earlier.
DCI stated that preliminary investigations show rally organizers allowed supporters to carry weapons, contrary to the Constitution, particularly Article 37, which guarantees the right to assemble peaceably and unarmed. "Preliminary investigations reveal that organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally had armed their supporters, contrary to the constitutional requirement and principles of peaceful assembly," the DCI statement read.
DCI urged organizers to ensure supporters remain unarmed to prevent violence and breaches of public order. Democratic Congress Party leader Rigathi Gachagua claimed George was a state-sponsored goon from Kisumu, accusing the Ministry of Interior of intimidating the opposition. Babu Owino alleged his security officers were arrested in Kisumu on Saturday evening and had not been released.
Before the rally, Sifuna alleged goons barricaded Kisumu International Airport, and airlines shared their itinerary with the Ministry of Interior, endangering their safety. The team rerouted and landed directly at Kakamega airstrip. Police lobbed teargas before and after the leaders arrived, but the event proceeded despite the disruptions. Investigations continue, with DCI vowing to bring perpetrators to justice.
