Gachagua condemns murder of Nakuru activist, terms it an attempt to infuse fear

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called for an immediate investigation into the death of Raymond Otieno, a Nakuru-based activist who was found dead in Molo after allegedly being attacked by unknown assailants with an axe.

Otieno, also known as "Molo President" and a prominent youth leader, was discovered outside the gate of his rented apartment.

In a statement on Monday, Gachagua expressed his condolences to Otieno’s family and the people of Molo, while calling for the government to take action. He condemned the murder, describing it as a sign of escalating political intolerance and repression in Kenya.

"The level of political intolerance and repression in our country is reaching disproportionate and alarming levels. The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy of infusing fear among Kenyans in a pathetic and archaic strategy to silence government critics after failed abductions. How can a great Nation like Kenya slip into the trenches of a failed State where children and women have no breathing space?" Gachagua posed.

"To the family of Raymond Otieno and the people of Molo, I share in your pain and grief. My deepest sympathies to you all. As we mourn the death of this promising young man, who was a great human rights defender and champion, we call for justice. His killers must be brought to book come what may."

The level of political intolerance and repression in our country is reaching unprorpotionate and alarming levels.

The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy of infusing fear among Kenyans in a pathetic and… pic.twitter.com/gbnK0ZDJtP

— Rigathi Gachagua (@rigathi) January 20, 2025

Gachagua insisted that the government must not remain passive in response to Otieno's death.

The Defenders Coalition, an organisation that advocates for human rights, also condemned Otieno’s murder. In a statement, the coalition remembered Otieno as a committed youth leader who was known for his advocacy for human rights, good governance, and the rule of law.

The coalition pointed out that Otieno’s death highlights the growing threats faced by human rights defenders in Kenya, citing the similar case of Molo-based activist Paul Ndirangu Kioi, who was killed in 2020.

The coalition expressed concern over the rising trend of targeted killings of human rights defenders, noting that such acts undermine democracy and accountability.

"The murder of Otieno adds to the worrying trend of targeted killings of human rights defenders in the country. These heinous acts not only silence critical voices but also threaten the principles of democracy and accountability that underpin a just society. We call on the authorities to swiftly, impartially, and transparently investigate this case to ensure that those responsible are held accountable," the coalition said.

Raymond Otieno's death

Otieno's death sparked fury among the locals, who staged protests in Elburgon, Nakuru County, on Sunday, January 19. The community, enraged by the murder of the outspoken government critic, took to the streets to demand justice.

His associates disclosed that he had been receiving death threats in the days leading up to the tragic incident.

Other Topics To Read

• Headlines
• National
• DP Rigathi Gachagua
• gen z protests
• Raymond Otieno
• Gachagua condemns murder of Nakuru activist
• terms it an attempt to infuse fear

Locals, deeply outraged by the murder, stormed a nearby mortuary where Otieno’s body had been taken. Videos circulating online showed the protesters removing his body from the Elburgon sub-County Hospital mortuary, marching through the streets, demanding justice.

The body, stashed in a plastic bag, was eventually dumped outside the Elburgon Police Station. The protesters later carried it for about five kilometres along the Elburgon-Molo road.

The body was later placed on the roof of a private car and taken to St Joseph Hospital mortuary, but the procession was interrupted by heavily armed police officers, including the GSU, who dispersed the crowd with teargas.

Otieno, who ran unsuccessfully for the Elburgon MCA seat in the 2022 elections, had previously been arrested during the Gen Z protests in Molo, where he was accused of leading the demonstrations.

Abduction cases

The country has been marred by abductions and enforced disappearances, with most of the targets being government critics.

As of December 27, 2024, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) revealed that 82 people had been reported abducted since the protests over the high cost of living and poor governance began in June 2024.

However, the whereabouts of more than 20 of these individuals remain unknown, leaving their families in anguish while the police deny involvement in the disappearances.

The annual report on the state of security highlights a worrying increase in abductions. Between September 2023 and August 2024, KNCHR said the country saw 52 reported kidnappings, a rise of 16 compared to the 36 cases recorded during the previous year, from September 2022 to August 2023.

The Coast region recorded the highest number of abductions with 14 cases, followed by Rift Valley with 10, Central with eight, Nyanza with seven, Eastern with six, Nairobi with five, and North Eastern with two. The Western region reported no abductions.

Despite claims in the report that the government had intensified public awareness campaigns and worked with mobile service providers to aid investigations, the Human Rights watchdog said many of the abduction victims remain missing, with families still awaiting answers.

The escalating number of abductions has intensified pressure on President William Ruto to take action and ensure the safety of citizens.