Elburgon, Kenya – Five suspects have been arrested in connection with the brutal murder of Molo-based activist Richard Haga Otieno, who was killed on January 18, 2025, near his residential apartment in Elburgon Town. The incident occurred just 200 meters from Elburgon Police Station, raising concerns over security and law enforcement response in the area.
Otieno, widely known as the ‘Molo President’ due to his activism, succumbed to severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object, believed to be either a panga or an axe. His autopsy, conducted at Kericho Hospital Mortuary by government pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor, confirmed multiple slash wounds on the skull, leading to fractures, excessive brain bleeding, and facial bruising. Another pathologist, Dr. Titus Ngulugu, representing the family and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), verified the findings, terming them thorough and accurate.
The murder sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests in Elburgon as residents took to the streets, blocked roads, and even paraded Otieno’s body in a dramatic display of anger and demand for justice. Police were eventually forced to transfer his remains to Kericho for preservation amid rising tension.
Following an intensive probe, a joint team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ Homicide Unit and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) arrested five suspects linked to the murder. The suspects are set to appear in Nakuru Court today, February 3, for a miscellaneous application to allow police to detain them for further investigations.
Among those arrested are two bodaboda riders accused of ferrying the alleged killers to and from the crime scene. One of the suspects is believed to be among the three individuals who carried out the actual murder. Forensic evidence has placed these three at the scene of the crime, police revealed.
Additionally, two other suspects arrested had previously assaulted Otieno on November 8, 2024, and had been sentenced to one year of probation. Authorities claim they were also present at the crime scene on January 18, further linking them to the activist’s killing.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin confirmed that investigators believe they have arrested the key suspects behind the murder but assured the public that any additional perpetrators will also be brought to justice.
“We have prime suspects in custody, and we are actively pursuing any other individuals involved in this heinous crime,” said Amin.
Otieno’s wife disclosed that he had been receiving threats prior to his murder and suspected he was being trailed by unknown individuals. She attributed these threats to his activism, which had placed him in conflict with local politicians.
As the case unfolds, Otieno’s killing has reignited concerns over the safety of activists in Kenya, with human rights organizations calling for swift justice and better protection for individuals speaking out against social injustices.