Molo: Family and friends today congregated at the St. Peters Catholic church in Elburgon, Molo sub-county to bid farewell to the slain Molo human rights activist, Richard Otieno. Family members, overwhelmed by grief, struggled to express their pain. His sister, Anne Otieno, tearfully described Richard as the pillar of their family.
According to Kenya News Agency, Fr Peter Mwangi eulogized Otieno as a man of integrity and courage. “Richard stood for what was right, even when it was difficult. He believed in justice, and his legacy will live on in the lives he impacted,” he said. His friends eulogized him as a great grassroots mobilizer, a selfless politician who was in the forefront in ensuring and fighting for better services for the residents of Molo and challenged leaders to always be accountable for the work they do for their people.
Other mourners present, including human rights activists, condemned his brutal murder and called upon the authorities to ensure that justice prevails. Education County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Zipporah Wambui and her Youth, Sports and Gender counterpart, Josephine Achieng, present during the function conveyed Governor Susan Kihika’s message of condolences assuring the locals that those involved will be brought to book in accordance with the law and justice will prevail.
Five people were yesterday arraigned in a Nakuru court in connection with the killing, and the police were granted 21 days to complete investigations. Otieno was found murdered on January 18, 2025, just a few meters from Elburgon Police Station. An autopsy conducted by the government pathologist, Dr. Johansen Oduor, in the presence of another pathologist, Dr. Titus Ngulungu, revealed that he died from severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object.
The deceased will be laid to rest on 7th February this year in Siaya County.