DCI forwards Brian Odhiambo's file to DPP for direction

The family of 31-year-old Brian Odhiambo who went missing in the hands of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) rangers at the Nakuru National Park is now pegging its hope on the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Nakuru East DCIO Samuel Ngeiywo told The Standard that they have forwarded the file of the missing fisherman to the DPP for directions.

"We have forwarded the file to the DPP and we are waiting for them to approve the charges we wish to prefer against the 6 KWS rangers who arrested Brian," said Mr Ngeiywo.

The DCIO revealed that they intend to charge the six rangers with abduction to murder since they were the last people to be seen with Brian alive and have been unable to produce him dead or alive.

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"We urge the family and the community to remain calm. Once we get the nod from the DPP we shall go for the suspects," said Ngeiywo.

Odhiambo was arrested by the rangers on January 18, 2025, outside the park for the offense of trespassing into the protected area.

Despite witness statements and admission by rangers that they had arrested a man whom they were yet to book, a case seeking to compel them to produce him dead or alive was closed by a Nakuru judge for lack of evidence that Odhiambo was in KWS custody.

"I was not satisfied with the ruling by the court and my only hope is in the DCI and the DPP. All I want is my son. Even if he is dead, let them grant me closure by giving me his remains for a decent burial," said Odhiambo's mother Elizabeth Auma.

She explained that since Odhiambo's disappearance, it has been difficult for her and the family with the uncertainty taking a toll on her mental health.

"I can't sleep in peace. My son has been coming into my dreams feeling cold. At times he comes and sits on my couch but is unable to talk. Am in a lot of pain, unable to give answers to those seeking them from me," said Auma.

While calling for the provision of counseling services to the family and other forms of support, Daisy Achieng, a family friend revealed that their mental health was at stake.

"Brian's mother has attempted suicide once but was stopped by people who luckily saw her. It is unfair for the KWS to continue protecting the culprits. Let them give us the truth and we proceed with the matter from there peacefully. We are ready to bury him if they kill him," said Achieng.

Six KWS wardens have already recorded statements with the DCI over the incident indicating that a man whom they arrested escaped from their vehicle five kilometers inside the national park that is home to many wild animals.