Paul Otuoma is facing a lawsuit seeking Ksh100 million in damages following allegations that he assaulted a boda boda rider during an official county event and that the victim was subsequently intimidated.
The petition, filed at the Milimani High Court, claims that the incident occurred on March 6, 2026, at Bukri Market, where certified maize seeds were being distributed.
According to court documents, the 31-year-old rider, Yusuf Suleiman Hamisi, was allegedly assaulted while waiting in line. The petition asserts that Otuoma kicked Hamisi in the groin without provocation, an event reportedly witnessed by members of the public and captured on video that later circulated widely on social media.
Hamisi, through lawyer Danstan Omari, further alleges that he faced obstruction when seeking medical treatment at Sioport Hospital and Ruambo Sub-County Hospital, claiming interference linked to the governor’s office.
The incident was reported to Sioport Police Station, but the petition states that Hamisi subsequently received threats. Court filings allege that unidentified individuals visited his home demanding he withdraw the complaint, and that he was briefly abducted before escaping and going into hiding.
The petition argues that Otuoma’s alleged conduct violated Hamisi’s constitutional rights, including the rights to dignity, security of the person, equality, and fair administrative action. It further claims the governor breached leadership and integrity standards under Chapter Six of the Constitution and the Leadership and Integrity Act.
The petitioner is requesting the court to:
- Declare Otuoma unfit to hold public office.
- Compel investigative agencies to take action.
- Direct the Busia County Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings under Article 181 of the Constitution.
- Ensure the victim is provided with security and medical care.
- Oversee investigations into the alleged incident.
The lawsuit marks a significant escalation in scrutiny of Otuoma’s conduct, with legal and political implications for the governor and his administration.
