The mysterious murder of Molo activist Richard Otieno, a vocal critic of the government, has sent shockwaves through the residents of Molo and Elburgon.
Otieno was brutally attacked and killed on Saturday night around 11pm near Elburgon Police Station as he was heading home.
Attempts by a group of residents to march to the home of area MP Kuria Kimani yesterday were unsuccessful.Youths from Elburgon headed to the Elburgon mortuary, removed Otieno’s body, placed it on top of a car, and paraded it through the town, demanding justice. The angry crowd blocked the Njoro-Molo Road with boulders and set bonfires.
According to various sources, Otieno was a youth leader known for his fierce criticism of the government, particularly the Molo MP. He was also an aspiring Member of the County Assembly (MCA).
In a statement, the MP described Otieno as a champion for youth, women, and the less privileged in society. He called for swift investigations into the murder and urged residents to remain calm and allow the investigative agencies time to handle the case.
Ng’ang’a Tetemesha, a local businessman, said Otieno was killed while on his way home.
“A boda boda rider had dropped him off, and while he was calling his wife, he was attacked. This is not the first time. He was arrested and assaulted two months ago. Someone was after his life,” Tetemesha said.
He pointed out that killings, particularly among the youth, have been on the rise, and action must be taken to stop it.
Otieno’s lawyer, Roselinda Wamaitha, said Otieno first reached out to her after being arrested during the Gen Z protests mid last year, and she successfully secured his release.
“The second time he was attacked, I found him in the hospital with head injuries. We will fight for justice in court,” Wamaitha said.
She added that people are now fearful of the police and the government, and unless human rights activists and lawyers speak out, the situation could worsen.
