The family of Richard Otieno, a slain activist also known as, is now seeking answers from the authorities regarding his death, which they claim was at the hands of unknown assailants. Otieno, who was murdered on Saturday night, is believed to have been attacked just 200 meters from Elburgon Police Station while on his way home.
At the family home, sorrow and grief were palpable as Margaret Mwihaki, Otieno’s wife, recounted the tragic events of that night.
“It was at 11:36 PM on Saturday when my husband called me, asking me to open the door for him as he was on his way home. After a few minutes, we heard someone screaming from outside. My in-law and I went to check, and that’s when we found Richard lying on the ground,” Margaret said.
She described seeing her husband with severe head injuries, bleeding profusely.
“I couldn’t believe what I saw. He had been badly hurt, and he was losing a lot of blood,” she added, visibly shaken.
The 31-year-old mother of two revealed that two days before his death, Richard had confided in her that he felt his life was in danger. He told her that three individuals had been following him suspiciously on his way home.
“On Thursday, he told me that three people were trailing him, and he was scared,” Margaret recalled. “He said he felt his life was at risk.”
Roselino Otieno, Richard’s sister, expressed suspicion that the attack might be linked to local politics. She raised concerns about the possible involvement of Kuria Kimani, the area Member of Parliament, claiming that Richard had previously been attacked multiple times, with the assailants’ identities known to the family.
“There’s no way I will be convinced that Kuria Kimani is not involved in this. This is not the first time my brother was attacked, and we know who was behind it,” Roselino said. “My brother was an activist, an emerging politician who spoke against the government, and his dreams have now been cut short.”
As the family mourns, they are still in the dark about the whereabouts of Richard’s body, which they say was allegedly taken away by police officers shortly after his death.
“Until now, we haven’t seen any progress in the investigation. No forensic detectives have come to speak with us or ask any questions,” Roselino continued. “We demand a thorough investigation and answers to the many questions we have.”
The family is now calling for justice and for the authorities to conduct a full investigation into the murder of Richard Otieno. They are determined to uncover the truth behind his untimely death.
