DCI, KWS given deadline to produce missing Nakuru fisherman Brian Odhiambo

Brian Odhiambo who went missing on January 28, 2025 after he was allegedly forcibly taken by KWS officers who were patrolling Lake Nakuru National Park. (Photo: X/Hussein Khalid)

By Lucy Mumbi
Sunday, January 26, 2025

Odhiambo was last seen on January 18, 2025, during a routine patrol by Kenya Wildlife Service officers near Lake Nakuru National Park.

A court has given the Nakuru East Sub-County DCI and the officer-in-charge of Lake Nakuru National Park until Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to produce a missing fisherman, Brian Odhiambo, alive or dead.

The High Court in Nakuru issued the directive requiring the officers to explain the circumstances of his arrest, which has sparked protests and unrest in the region.

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Justice Julius Nangea issued the order following a petition filed by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU).

The petition calls for an explanation regarding Odhiambo’s disappearance. He was last seen on January 18, 2025, during a routine patrol by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers near Lake Nakuru National Park.

“This is a directive from the court to the DCI Nakuru and the officer in charge of Lake Nakuru National Park to appear in court on Tuesday, January 28, at 3 pm,” IMLU activist David Kuria said.

The case has ignited widespread tension in Nakuru East, with residents of Kivumbini, Manyani, and Bondeni engaging in running battles with police over Odhiambo’s mysterious disappearance.

The protestors, who have been on the streets since Odhiambo went missing, are demanding his immediate release or, if deceased, the return of his body.

“Sisi tumeamua no Brayo, no peace. Kitu wamefanya ni unconstitutional. Ukishika mtu unampeleka kortini within 24 hours. They are supposed to release that person. Even if it’s the body, they should bring it so that we can see it,” a resident said.

Eyewitnesses report that Odhiambo was forcibly taken by KWS officers who were patrolling Lake Nakuru National Park. On Saturday, January 18, the fisherman was reportedly beaten and dragged into a vehicle by the officers. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown.

KWS has called for calm while it investigates the incident.

In a statement on Thursday, January 23, KWS assured the public that it is fully cooperating with security agencies to uncover the facts of the case.

“KWS is investigating the incidents at Lake Nakuru National Park, including illegal fishing and the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, and we are cooperating fully with the DCI. Officers involved in the case have recorded statements, and investigations are ongoing,” KWS said.

It also appealed to the public to remain peaceful and refrain from incitement or violence.

“We urge the public to avoid incitement, lawlessness, and destruction of property. We are committed to a fair and transparent resolution of this matter,” KWS added.