Five men charged with murder of ‘Molo President’ Richard Otieno
Investigators are continuing to search for other suspects, including the alleged person responsible for carrying out the murder.
Five men have been charged with the murder of a Molo blogger and political activist Richard Otieno, alias Molo President. The suspects were charged on Thursday at the Nakuru High Court.
Peter Okech, Joseph Kihara, Evans Aseka, Geoffrey Ndung’u, and Stephen Masheti pleaded not guilty to the charge when they appeared before Justice Patricia Gichohi.
The men are accused of killing Otieno at his Elburgon residence on January 18, 2025.
Reports suggest that they ambushed and attacked the victim as he was heading home from a popular entertainment spot in the area.
New information has linked one of the suspects, Stephen Masheti Mosodo, alias Machette, to a notorious criminal gang operating along the Nakuru-Eldoret highway.
Masheti, a Tanzanian national, is believed to be the leader of the 'Katahema' gang, a group known for robbing passengers by breaking into transit vehicles. The gang primarily operates within Molo town and its surrounding areas.
The police revealed these details while opposing the suspects' application for bail during the court session.
Risk to suspects' safety
Prosecutor Emma Okok argued that granting bond would pose a risk to the suspects' safety, create a flight risk, and possibly lead to witness interference.
According to an affidavit by Inspector Patrick Wachira, Masheti has a history of serious offences and is considered a dangerous criminal.
He was arrested on February 14 at the Isebania One Stop Border Post after a joint operation by Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities. Masheti had allegedly fled to Tanzania following the murder, hiding among relatives.
Authorities are also investigating how he obtained a Kenyan identity card, which he used to cross the border.
"The accused person is the ringleader of the 'Katahema' criminal gang that operates within Molo Town and along Nakuru-Eldoret highway and its environs, where the gang breaks into transit vehicles and robs passengers, stealing valuables," the affidavit reads.
Masheti is said to own three mobile numbers registered under different names, making it difficult for authorities to track his movements.
Investigators are continuing to search for other suspects, including the alleged person responsible for carrying out the murder, who is believed to be outside the court’s jurisdiction. Authorities claim this fugitive has significant influence over the five accused men.
The court has directed the prosecution to serve the defence with the application, giving the suspects seven days to respond.
The case is scheduled for mention on March 27, 2025.
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