DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi.
Busia County Governor Dr. Paul Otuoma has been sued after a petitioner moved to court seeking Sh100 million in damages over an alleged violent assault and subsequent intimidation of a civilian.
The petition, filed before the Milimani High Court, accuses the governor of gross misconduct following an incident said to have occurred on March 6, 2026, at Bukri Market in Funyula Constituency during an official county event.
According to court documents, the victim, Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi, a 31-year-old bodaboda rider, was allegedly attacked by the governor while standing in a queue for the distribution of certified maize seeds.
According to court court papers the governor is said to have forcefully kicked him in the groin without provocation, an incident reportedly witnessed by members of the public and captured on video that later circulated widely on social media.
The petitioner through lawyer Danstan Omari claims that the situation escalated after the incident, with the victim allegedly facing obstruction when seeking medical attention at Sioport and Ruambo Sub-County Hospitals. It is further alleged that the interference was linked to the governor’s office.
“Petitioner submits that the Respondent’s actions constitute gross misconduct
of such gravity and persistence that they not only justify but demand the immediate
commencement of impeachment proceedings by the Busia County Assembly,
thereby restoring accountability, protecting citizens, and reinforcing public
confidence in devolved governance,” reads court papers
The matter was subsequently reported at Sioport Police Station, but the victim allegedly began receiving threats soon after. Court filings indicate that unknown individuals later visited his residence demanding that he withdraw the complaint. The petition also claims that he was briefly abducted before managing to escape and go into hiding.
Despite efforts to shield himself, including changing his phone number, the victim is said to have continued receiving anonymous threats, raising serious concerns about his safety.
The petitioner argues that the governor’s actions amount to violations of constitutional rights, including the right to dignity, security of the person, equality, and fair administrative action. The conduct is also cited as a breach of leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution 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 under Article 181 of the Constitution.
The court is also being urged to ensure the victim is provided with security, granted access to medical care, and that the allegations are thoroughly investigated.
“Honourable Court intervenes promptly, the Petitioner remains exposed
to ongoing threats and intimidation, the integrity of investigative and accountability
processes will continue to be undermined, and a serious breach of the Constitution
by a State officer occupying the highest office in the county risks being normalize,” reads court papers.
[DNK-International@March 18,2026]
