The family of a fisherman from Nakuru who disappeared while in the custody of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers in January has intensified his search nine months since he went missing.
The family is accusing park officials of deliberately delaying the execution of a court order to search for the body of Brian Odhiambo within Lake Nakuru National Park.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) moved to court after receiving a crucial lead suggesting that Odhiambo may have been buried within the precincts of the park.
The disappearance case has taken a new twist nine months after Odhiambo mysteriously vanished.
His family now claims the KWS is deliberately stalling the court-ordered search for his body, following intelligence reports indicating that the missing fisherman may have been secretly buried inside the park.
“We are, however, deeply concerned about the pace of implementation. We respectfully urge that the process be expedited. Any further delays risk compromising crucial evidence and may embolden those intent on covering up or interfering with the ongoing investigation,” said family lawyer Abuya Mogendi.
Detectives from the DCI sought court orders to conduct a search for suspected grave sites and, if any are found, immediately initiate an exhumation process to be conducted by the Chief Government Pathologist assisted by homicide detectives.
The court also directed that any exhumed body be examined and that DNA and toxicology samples be extracted at the grave site or another suitable location before reburial.
Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate Cynthia Muhoro granted the family’s request on Monday this week.
Detectives from the homicide department visited the park on Wednesday and marked out the scene, identifying an area near the main entry point to Lake Nakuru believed to contain the graves.
“It could only be equated to Shakahola. KWS are attempting to frustrate us. The wheels of justice, however slow, will get us to our destination. DCI has 90 days until the case is mentioned in court,” added Mogendi.
Six KWS officers, Francis Wachira, Abdulrahman Ali Sudi, Isaac Ochieng, Evans Kimayo, Michael Wabukala, and Alex Lorogoi, have been charged in connection with Odhiambo’s disappearance.
They denied charges of abduction with intent to confine when they appeared in court in May this year.
So far, thirteen witnesses have testified in the case, with the lead investigative officer expected to take the stand when the hearing resumes on November 10.
“Brian Odhiambo lost his life because KWS officers felt that these fish are more important than human life,” said Hussein Khalid, an activist with Vocal Africa.
Lake Nakuru National Park occupies an area of 188 square kilometres, and the findings of investigators are expected to dictate the next phase of the case.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
