By Andrew Kariuki
Busia Governor Paul Otuoma has been sued at the Milimani High Court, with a petitioner seeking Ksh100 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 accuses the county boss of gross misconduct over an incident said to have occurred on March 6, 2026, at Bukiri Market in Funyula Constituency during a county function involving the distribution of certified maize seeds.
According to court documents, Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi, a 31 year old boda boda rider, alleges that he was attacked while standing in a queue, claiming the governor kicked him in the groin without provocation.
The alleged incident was reportedly witnessed by members of the public and captured on video that later circulated on social media.
Through his lawyer Danstan Omari, Hamisi further claims that he faced obstruction when seeking medical treatment at Sioport and Ruambo Sub-County hospitals, alleging that the interference was linked to the governor’s office.
The matter was reported at Sioport Police Station, but the petition states that the complainant began receiving threats shortly after lodging the report.
Court filings further allege that unknown individuals later 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 violated his constitutional rights, including the right to dignity, security of the person, equality and fair administrative action, and also breached leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
Among the orders sought, the petitioner wants the court to declare Governor Otuoma unfit to hold public office, compel investigative agencies to take action and direct the Busia County Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings under Article 181 of the Constitution.
The petition also seeks orders requiring the provision of security and medical care for the complainant, as well as the commencement of investigations into the alleged incident.
