Five suspects arrested over Molo activist Richard Otieno's murder
An autopsy conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor at Kericho Hospital mortuary revealed that Otieno died from severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object, likely a panga or an axe.
Five suspects have been arrested over the murder of Molo-based activist Richard Haga Otieno, who was killed on the night of January 18, 2025.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has identified the suspects as Geoffrey Mavado, John Ndegwa, and Jorim Ngonga Sura, who are believed to have played a direct role in the killing.
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Additionally, two bodaboda operators, Clinton Simantu, alias Muiruri, and Peter Mwaniki, alias Pinchez, have been linked to the case for allegedly ferrying the killers to and from the crime scene.
According to DCI, Mavado and Ndegwa had previously been arrested and charged on November 8, 2024, for assaulting Otieno. They were sentenced to one-year probation.
During the homicide investigation, forensic analysis placed them at the crime scene, and crucial evidence was collected to support their prosecution.
Officers said the suspects are currently in custody and are being processed for arraignment. Officers from the Homicide Directorate, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, and Operations team are also conducting further investigations to establish if more individuals were involved in the killing.
“All the suspects have been taken to custody and are being processed for arraignment. Meanwhile, the investigators drawn from the Homicide Directorate, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau and Operations are interrogating the case further with a view to bring any more suspects to book,” the DCI said.
Pursuit of justice
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that the agency is committed to carrying out a fair and thorough investigation to ensure justice is served.
“We have key suspects in this murder, and if there are more, we are pursuing the matter,” Mohamed said.
Otieno, widely known as the 'Molo President,' was attacked near the gate of his residential apartment in Elburgon Town, approximately 200 meters from the Elburgon police station. His body was later transferred to Kericho Town for an autopsy amid rising tensions in the area.
An autopsy conducted by government pathologist Johansen Oduor at Kericho Hospital mortuary revealed that Otieno died from severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object, likely a panga or an axe.
“There were multiple slash wounds at the back of the head, which led to a fracture of the skull and excessive bleeding of the brain. There was also slashing of the frontal area, though this one didn’t fracture the skull,” Oduor said.
Dr Titus Ngulugu, representing the family and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), corroborated the findings, describing them as precise and thorough.
“There were also bruises on the face. What we found also were more bruises on the arms, which looked like someone was trying to defend themselves,” Oduor added.
Otieno’s wife disclosed that he had been receiving threats and was being trailed by unknown individuals. She attributed the threats to his activism and clashes with local politicians.
His murder triggered public outrage, leading to protests in Elburgon. Demonstrators blocked roads and paraded his body through the streets before police intervened and transferred it to Kericho for preservation.
The five suspects are expected to appear before the Nakuru Court on Monday, February 3, for miscellaneous applications to facilitate further investigations.
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