DCI accuses Linda Wananchi group of arming followers after supporter’s death
DCI accuses Linda Wananchi group of arming followers after supporter’s death
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has accused the organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally of arming their supporters in the Kakamega rally on Saturday, February 21.
In a statement on Sunday, the DCI confirmed the death of one supporter in connection with the Kakamega event, with preliminary reports indicating that the organisers of the rally allowed their supporters to carry weapons into the venue of the rally, contrary to the constitutional requirement.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that organisers of the Linda Mwananchi rally had armed their supporters, contrary to the constitutional requirement and principles of peaceful assembly,” a statement from DCI read.
The statement added, “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 deceased has since been identified as George Olande Otobe, a resident of Kisumu County who worked as a boda boda rider.
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Reports by the DCI indicate that George died at around noon on Saturday after allegedly attacking another supporter on the head during a confrontation in Mbale town. Bystanders later retaliated, attacking George and inflicting severe head injuries consistent with mob violence.
While confirming the matter was under investigation, detectives revealed that George’s body, which was initially taken to Vihiga Referral Hospital, was later transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation. The knife that was allegedly used in the attack another supporter was also recovered at the scene.
The death on Saturday was the second one from the Linda Wananchi tour, coming a week after another supporter died in Kitengela from a single gunshot wound.
DCI cited Article 37 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, provided participants remain peaceful and unarmed, emphasising that organisers of political rallies and public gatherings bear responsibility to ensure their supporters do not carry weapons or engage in violence.
“The right of assembly can only be exercised peaceably and unarmed, as clearly provided in the Constitution,” the DCI added, warning that failure to uphold this obligation contributes to breaches of public order and endangers lives.
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