NAIROBI, Kenya — Governor Paul Otuoma has been sued for Sh100 million in damages over allegations that he assaulted a boda boda rider during a public event and that the victim was later subjected to intimidation.
The petition, filed before the High Court in Milimani, centres on an incident said to have occurred on March 6, 2026, at Bukiri Market in Funyula Constituency during a county government function.
According to court documents, the petitioner, Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi, a 31-year-old boda boda rider, alleges he was attacked while queuing to receive certified maize seeds being distributed at the event.
He claims the governor kicked him in the groin without provocation, in an incident reportedly witnessed by members of the public and captured on video that later circulated widely on social media.
Through his lawyer Danstan Omari, Hamisi further alleges that he encountered obstruction when seeking medical treatment at Sioport and Ruambo Sub-County hospitals, claiming the interference was linked to the governor’s office.
The matter was reported at Sioport Police Station. However, the petition states that the complainant began receiving threats shortly thereafter.
It further alleges that unidentified individuals visited his home demanding that he withdraw the complaint and that he was briefly abducted before escaping and going into hiding.
The petitioner argues that the alleged actions amount to violations of constitutional rights, including the right to human dignity, security of the person, equality, and fair administrative action under the Constitution of Kenya 2010.
He also claims the conduct breaches leadership and integrity standards set out under Chapter Six and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Among the orders sought, the petitioner is asking the court to declare the governor unfit to hold public office, compel investigative agencies to take action, and direct the Busia County Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings in line with Article 181 of the Constitution.
The suit also seeks court intervention to ensure the complainant is provided with adequate security and medical care, alongside orders for thorough investigations into the alleged assault and subsequent intimidation.
The High Court is expected to issue directions on the matter, including responses from the governor and relevant state agencies, as the case proceeds.
