The Kisumu County Boda Boda Association has strongly condemned the killing of its Chief of Security, George Olwanda Otobe, describing his death as a calculated assassination and demanding immediate, transparent investigations.
Speaking to the press in Kibos, Kisumu, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Association Chairman Jacob Ochieng Ogambo dismissed claims that Otobe was a criminal, accusing police and bloggers of spreading falsehoods about the deceased.
Otobe was killed last Saturday in Mbale, during the Linda Mwananchi tour.
Ogambo insisted that Otobe had travelled to Kakamega to provide security during the political event and was carrying out his routine duties when he was attacked.
“Olwanda served this association with dedication, courage and integrity. He was instrumental in promoting discipline, order and cooperation within the boda boda sector across Kisumu County. He was discharging his duty as usual. He was not a goon as portrayed by bloggers and police,” Ogambo said.
He alleged that the killing was premeditated, claiming Otobe had been tracked from Kisumu to Kakamega before being murdered. According to Ogambo, the attackers staged the incident to resemble mob justice.
“I want to say the DCI lied that Otobe first attacked someone. If that were the case, why wasn’t there a photo of the alleged knife or the person he attacked? Why raise that claim now?” Ogambo posed.
He further claimed that a vehicle was dispatched to the scene to confirm Otobe’s death, deepening suspicions that the attack was coordinated.
Ogambo warned politicians against deploying criminal gangs to disrupt political gatherings, saying rising intolerance was pushing the country toward dangerous instability.
He said the association supports the broad-based political outfit and backs ODM party leader Oburu Oginga, urging him to rein in party members and ensure order to prevent further bloodshed.
“Political intolerance should not be tolerated. Leaders must call their supporters to order. No life should be lost because of politics,” Ogambo said.
Kisumu Residents Association Chairman and human rights defender Audi Ogada urged the government to remain impartial in investigating the killing.
He reminded authorities that the constitutional mandate of national security agencies is to safeguard citizens, their property, rights, freedoms and peace.
“My coming here is to stand with the boda boda sector and to urge the government to remain impartial. Let justice be seen and done,” Ogada said.
He thanked boda boda operators across Kisumu for maintaining calm despite the provocation, warning that rising lawlessness could plunge the country into further crisis.
Otobe’s widow, Florence Atieno Otobe, appealed for justice and protection for families whose livelihoods depend on the boda boda sector.
“We are not safe as women whose husbands work in this sector. We want justice at the end of this,” she said.
She called on Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo to ensure those responsible are exposed and prosecuted, warning that boda boda operators remain at risk.
The association now says it will continue pushing for accountability as pressure mounts on investigative agencies to deliver answers over a killing that has sent shockwaves through Kisumu’s powerful motorcycle taxi network.
