Vincent Osiemo, alias Mapinduzi, was young, enthusiastic, and a strong advocate for good governance and strong democratic institutions.
Like many other Kenyan youths, he struggled to raise his family amid joblessness. Still, he believed that with accountable political leadership, there was hope for Kenya at the end of the tunnel.
Mapinduzi is a Kiswahili word for change. Osiemo died Saturday night from injuries he sustained after falling from a speeding car. The vehicle was trying to evade a hail of stones pelted at the Linda Mwananchi motorcade by suspected hired political goons.
At his home in Gionseri village, Bobasi Constituency, Kisii County, we found mourners gathering to pay their tribute to a young man known across Kisii for his passion for politics and his desire for democratic systems that care for and value Kenyans.
Osiemo worked as a cameraman for a local politician in Bobasi. On the fateful day, he joined the Linda Mwananchi team, which was in Kisii on Friday for a series of rallies.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joins supporters during the Linda Mwananchi Women Empowerment Programme at Monarch Hotel in Mosocho, Kisii County, on July 3, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
As the team left Kisii town for Keroka via Keumbu in Nyaribari Chache after a successful rally, they encountered suspected hired political goons who had blocked the main Kisii-Nairobi highway.
Witnesses say one of the vehicles in the entourage forced its way through, clearing the path for the others.
What followed was a hail of stones from the suspected goons, who appeared well-organised and determined to cause maximum damage to those on the Linda Mwananchi entourage.
Several people hanging onto the vehicles sustained serious injuries after falling as drivers sped off to escape the stones.
Osiemo was among the youths suspected to have been hit with the stones being pelted at the motor vehicles. He lost his grip and fell when the vehicle hit a speed bump, trying to evade the stones.
Osiemo lost his grip on the targeted SUV, and his head hit the tarmac with a bang.
One woman shouted, “Oh, he’s dead… he has died… please stop stoning the vehicles.”
An armed police officer who appeared unbothered walked past as the suspected goons continued throwing stones, shattering windscreens.
The vehicle from which Osiemo had fallen sped off to safety, leaving behind those who had fallen because the suspected goons were armed and dangerous.
The young man was badly injured before being rescued by colleagues from another vehicle in the convoy.
Vincent Osiemo.
Photo credit: Pool
He succumbed to his injuries on Saturday night, leaving behind a widow and three children.
His humble home in Gionseri, kilometres away from Keumbu where Osiemo died, was bustling with mourners on Sunday after news of his death spread.
Osiemo’s family is now seeking justice and has called on the government to ensure thorough investigations into the incident.
Mr Steven Machuki, his brother, said Osiemo loved politics and rushed to attend the Linda Mwananchi events when he heard they were in Kisii.
“He fell off the vehicle after losing his grip while being pelted with stones. He is now gone, and we are asking the government to support his three children,” said Mr Machuki.
Mr Edward Nyabuto, another brother, expressed sadness over Osiemo’s death and called for those responsible to be apprehended.
Mr Osiemo Ocharo, also a brother, said the family is experiencing immense grief and called for an end to political violence in Kisii.
Jubilee presidential hopeful Dr Fred Matiang'i, who hails from the region, said Sunday that he, together with other like-minded leaders, had contracted a group of lawyers to pursue the matter and seek justice for the victims.
"This matter will not end here. We want to pursue it to the end. We have assembled a group of top lawyers to ensure this matter is pursued legally. The lawyers will ensure private prosecution of the leaders involved in mobilising, funding, and supporting the goons. This must come to an end," said Dr Matiang'i as he condoled with the deceased's family.
He said summoning of leaders involved is not enough. Their prosecution, he added, and eventual justice to the affected, is what matters most.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga (left) speaks in Mosocho, Kisii County, during a women empowerment program on July 3, 2026.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation Media Group
Former Chief Justice David Maraga demanded the immediate resignation of Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, accusing him of presiding over a security collapse that led to the deadly Linda Mwananchi attack in Keumbu.
Mr Maraga stated that Murkomen is “leading a classic group of goons in the name of security officers,” whom he alleged followed unlawful directives from politicians to preside over alleged dead squads that were hurting innocent Kenyans.
The former CJ warned that the Interior Ministry has turned into a political enforcement arm instead of being a shield for citizens.
He spoke at the Guardian Hotel in Nyamira Town before later addressing mourners at the burial of Mama Jemimah Mokogi at Nyamira Primary School grounds.
Linda Mwananchi leaders-Gusii branch led by Kitutu Masaba Member of Parliament Clive Gesairo and his counterpart from Bomachoge Borabu Obadiah Barongo, who announced the death of the young man, warned state agencies to stop the culture of arming and supporting political militias.
They said victims would be forced to arm themselves for protection against what he termed state-sponsored thuggery if the trend continues.
Speaking at Engoko Centre in Keroka Sunday, they said 20 people sustained injuries.
The said victims would be forced to arm themselves for protection against what they termed state-sponsored thuggery if the trend continues.
Ms Ascah Borasi, a Gionseri resident, said it is disheartening when young people lose their lives due to political intolerance.
“We don’t want a repeat of 2007 in our country. There is no need to kill one another, fight, or shed blood. Let’s engage in decent politics. We need our country for the future,” said Ms Borasi.
Mr Daniel Mochoge, a cousin, emphasised that Osiemo was the sole breadwinner for his family.
“I am asking the government to ensure justice for Osiemo and his family. I plead with political leaders from Kisii County to stop political hooliganism,” said Mr Mochoge.
Mr Michira Nyangweso, alias Omochokoro, an aspirant for the Bobasi parliamentary seat for whom Osiemo worked as a media officer, said he is greatly pained by his employee’s death.
“This goonism must come to an end in Kisii. We have successfully conducted rallies in other areas, but why chaos in Kisii?” wondered Mr Michira.
He added, “Buying people to kill and spill blood must end. We cannot continue this way. All those responsible should be brought to justice.”
