A bodaboda rider has filed a case against Busia Governor Paul Otuoma seeking Sh 100 million in damages after allegedly assaulting him.
Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi wants the court to declare that Otuoma is unfit to hold public office following the incident.
Hamisi wants the court to issue a declaration that Otuoma’s assault on him on 6th March 2026 at Bukri Market, together with the subsequent intimidation, threats, attempted abduction, and interference with medical and police processes, constitutes gross misconduct and a violation of Articles 10, 27, 28, 29, 47, 73 and 75 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010, as well as the Leadership and Integrity Act, 2012;
Through lawyer Danstan Omari, the victim avers that the entire course of conduct is unbecoming of a State officer, undermines the dignity and integrity of the office of Governor, erodes public confidence in county governance, and poses a continuing threat to the Petitioner and the rule of law.
The petitioner further wants the governor to issue a public apology to him and the people of Busia County within 14 days of the date of judgment, in a form and manner to be approved by the Honourable Court.
According to court documents, the assault, which was captured on video and widely circulated, was followed by a disturbing chain of retaliatory acts including threats, an attempted abduction, interference with medical examination and the issuance of a P3 form, and persistent intimidation designed to silence the victim.
“As matters stand, the petitioner has been forced into hiding out of fear for his life while the machinery of public office appears to be deployed to obstruct justice and shield the impugned conduct,” Omari said.
The victim wants an order compelling the relevant county health authorities (or, in default the Inspector General of police) to immediately facilitate the issuance of a P3 form to him and to provide him with all necessary medical treatment without any further hindrance or influence.
He also wants an order of mandamus compelling the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate the assault and all related acts of intimidation, abduction attempt, threats, and interference with medical and investigative processes expeditiously and to institute appropriate criminal and/or administrative proceedings within sixty (60) days.
Apart from the governor, other respondents in the matter are the Speaker of Busia County Assembly, the office of the governor Busia County and Busia County Assembly.
The EACC, DPP and the IG have been named as the interested parties.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye questioned why the matter was not filed in Busia, Omari told the court that the same was as a result of fear for their own security.
The court directed the parties to file and serve and appear for mention on 21st March 2026.