Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has strongly condemned the killing of Raymond Otieno, popularly known as “Molo President,” a prominent youth leader and activist in Molo, Nakuru County.
In a statement issued on Monday, January 20, 2025, Gachagua alleged that Otieno’s murder was part of a larger strategy to silence critics of the government. He described the incident as evidence of growing political repression in Kenya.
“The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy to instill fear among Kenyans in a pathetic and archaic attempt to silence government critics after failed abductions,” Gachagua stated.
He went on to criticize the state of governance, questioning Kenya’s trajectory. “How can a great nation like Kenya slip into the trenches of a failed state where children and women have no breathing space? To the family of Raymond Otieno and the people of Molo, I share in your pain and grief. My deepest sympathies to you all.”
Gachagua called for a thorough and swift investigation into the activist’s murder, emphasizing that justice must be served. “As we mourn the death of this promising young man, who was a great human rights defender and champion, we call for justice. His killers must be brought to book, come what may. The Government of Kenya cannot afford to sit on the fence on this matter,” he remarked.
Protests Erupt in Molo
Raymond Otieno was killed on Saturday night, January 18, 2025, after being reportedly attacked with an axe by unidentified assailants. His death triggered widespread protests in Molo, with residents taking to the streets on Sunday to demand justice.
The protesters, angered by the incident, stormed a local mortuary where Otieno’s body was held and carried it into the streets as a symbol of their frustration with the authorities.
A Voice for the Voiceless
Otieno, who was an aspiring ward representative for Molo constituency, was eulogized as a vibrant and fearless leader who championed the rights of marginalized communities. Known for his outspoken criticism of leaders who failed to deliver, he had recently made headlines for his remarks against Molo MP Kimani Kuria.
His murder has sparked calls for action from various quarters, with activists, political leaders, and residents demanding accountability and justice for his death.
