Six Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers have been brought to court in connection with the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman from Nakuru. Odhiambo went missing on January 18, 2025, under circumstances involving KWS officials at the Lake Nakuru National Park.
The officers charged include Francis Wachira, Alexander Lorogoi, Isaac Ochieng Odhiambo, Michael Wabukala, Evans Kimaiyo, and Abdulrahaman Ali Sudi. They face allegations of abduction, accused of intending to secretly and wrongfully confine Odhiambo on the morning of January 18, 2025, in Bondeni, Nakuru East Sub-County.
The Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) has confirmed the arraignment of the officers at Nakuru Law Courts. The case has sparked public outcry, with many citizens questioning the circumstances of Odhiambo’s disappearance and the involvement of KWS officers. The DPP has opposed granting bond to the accused officers, arguing that their release pending trial would not be appropriate. The decision on whether they will be granted bond will be made on May 12, 2025, with the officers currently being held in Nakuru GK Prison.
The case has brought to the forefront concerns about the accountability of law enforcement agencies and the rights of individuals within protected areas, such as national parks. The abduction charge stems from the suspicion that Odhiambo was forcibly taken by the officers, though details about his treatment and whereabouts after his abduction remain unclear.
The disappearance has led to widespread calls for transparency and justice. Despite the DPP’s actions, many have voiced frustration at the slow pace of the investigation and the continued absence of Odhiambo. The case has intensified debates about the role of security forces in ensuring the safety of citizens, particularly in rural and remote areas where government oversight can be limited.
In response to the public’s growing concern, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen made a public statement on March 19, 2025, promising that the government would do everything in its power to locate Brian Odhiambo. Murkomen assured the public that no Kenyan would be allowed to go missing without being accounted for and emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting its citizens. However, despite this promise, there has been little progress in locating Odhiambo or providing answers to his family, who have been left in the dark regarding his fate.
The DPP’s involvement in the case highlights the role of the justice system in ensuring that those responsible for the abduction are held accountable. It is a reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law, particularly when it involves individuals in positions of authority. The legal proceedings against the KWS officers will likely serve as a critical moment for evaluating the accountability of law enforcement agencies and the transparency of investigations into crimes committed by state officers.
As the case continues, the family of Brian Odhiambo remains hopeful that justice will be served and that his disappearance will not go unnoticed. The public’s demand for justice reflects a broader call for stronger measures to ensure the protection of all citizens, particularly in cases involving government officials. The trial, set to unfold in the coming weeks, will likely be closely followed, as it raises important questions about the rights of individuals and the accountability of those entrusted with enforcing the law.
