The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into a mob justice incident that led to the death of a man during a political rally in Mbale Town on February 21, 2026.
In a statement, the DCI said the victim, identified as George Olande Otobe, also known as Omundu, died after being attacked by members of the public following an altercation at around noon.
“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 reiterates that although citizens have the right of assembly, they can only exercise it peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” DCI stated.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Otobe allegedly stabbed Hussein Hassan in the head during a confrontation, prompting bystanders to retaliate. The mob assault resulted in Otobe’s death. A knife was recovered from the scene.
His body was initially moved to the Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary, where a postmortem examination established the cause of death as multiple severe head injuries consistent with mob violence. The body was later transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation.
According to identification documents, Otobe was a resident of Kisumu County and worked as a boda boda rider.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Linda Mwananchi rally that was held in the region on the same day.
The DCI strongly condemned the mob action, emphasizing that while the Constitution guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and present petitions under Article 37, the right must be exercised peaceably and unarmed.
Investigators revealed that organisers of the rally had allegedly armed some supporters, contrary to constitutional provisions and principles of peaceful assembly. The agency warned that rally organisers must ensure their supporters remain unarmed and conduct themselves peacefully to avoid escalation into violence.
The DCI commended officers deployed at the scene for exercising restraint in what it described as a volatile situation, preventing further loss of life.
“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 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,” DCI added.
Investigations are ongoing, and the DCI said all those found culpable, whether for the mob killing or any related offences, including arming supporters, will face legal action.
“No one is above the law,” the agency stated, reaffirming its commitment to public safety and justice.
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