Activist Raymond Otieno, popularly known as “Molo President,” criticized the leadership of Molo Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria just days before his brutal murder.
Speaking during a burial in Molo, Otieno accused Kuria of neglecting his duties to his constituents, focusing instead on national matters that, according to the activist, held little relevance to the local community.
“When there is a problem, we must call out the government,” Otieno said.
“I want to tell Kuria Kimani; we did not send you to oust [Deputy President] Gachagua. We did not send you to defend the Finance Bill and the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF) while our parents are dying in hospitals.”
Otieno, referencing Kuria’s position as chair of the Finance Committee in Parliament, also criticized him over inadequate bursaries for needy students.
“You come back to Molo and work for the people. Leave SHIF alone. Now you are telling people to vaccinate their cows, and when you come here, you give our parents a bursary of Ksh 1,500. Yet, you are the finance chair in Parliament,” he stated.
Otieno further urged Molo residents to unite and vote against what he termed “traitors.” He said, “We need all votes to chase away traitors in Molo and in Kenya. If you are unable to work, go home.”
The activist’s last social media post, dated January 18, 2025, a day before his body was discovered, criticized a poll ranking Kimani Kuria as the fifth-best performing MP. He dismissed the ranking as a joke.
Otieno’s mutilated body was found outside his apartment on January 19, 2025, after an alleged attack by unknown assailants using an axe.
His death sparked outrage among Elburgon residents in Nakuru County, who took to the streets in protest. On Sunday, January 19, demonstrators stormed the local mortuary where his body was being held and carried it into the streets as a symbol of their anger.
Reactions to the Murder
Molo MP Kimani Kuria expressed his condolences and stated that police were investigating the murder. He eulogized Otieno as a dedicated advocate for the rights of youth, women, and vulnerable groups.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua condemned the murder, alleging it was part of a larger scheme to silence government critics.
“The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy to infuse fear among Kenyans. It’s a pathetic and archaic strategy to silence government critics after failed abductions,” Gachagua said.
The case has drawn widespread attention, with calls for swift justice and protection for activists across the country.
