The family of Brian Odhiambo, a Nakuru fisherman who disappeared in January while in the custody of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers, has accused park officials of deliberately delaying a court-ordered search for his body inside Lake Nakuru National Park.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) obtained a court order after receiving intelligence suggesting that Odhiambo may have been secretly buried within the park’s boundaries.
Family Decries Delay in Search Operation
According to the family’s lawyer, Abuya Mogendi, the KWS has been frustrating efforts to execute the search order despite clear directions from the court.
“We are deeply concerned about the pace of implementation. We 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 Mogendi.
The DCI Homicide Unit had sought authorization to locate and exhume suspected grave sites within the park, with the Chief Government Pathologist and forensic experts overseeing the process.
Court Grants Search and Exhumation Orders
On Monday, Nakuru Senior Principal Magistrate Cynthia Muhoro granted the request, directing detectives to search, exhume, and conduct DNA and toxicology tests on any bodies recovered before reburial.
Following the order, homicide detectives visited the park on Wednesday and marked out a section near the main entry point to Lake Nakuru, believed to contain possible grave sites.
“It could only be equated to Shakahola. KWS is attempting to frustrate us. The wheels of justice, however slow, will get us to our destination,” said Mogendi, expressing frustration over what he termed deliberate obstruction.
The court has given the DCI 90 days to conclude the search and submit findings before the case is mentioned again.
Six KWS Officers Charged Over Disappearance
Six KWS officers — Francis Wachira, Abdulrahman Ali Sudi, Isaac Ochieng, Evans Kimayo, Michael Wabukala, and Alex Lorogoi — have been charged with abduction with intent to confine in connection with Odhiambo’s disappearance.
They all denied the charges when they appeared before the Nakuru Law Courts in May. So far, 13 witnesses have testified, with the lead investigating officer expected to take the stand when the hearing resumes on November 10.
The family maintains hope that the ongoing search will finally uncover what happened to their son and bring closure to a painful nine-month ordeal.
