KWS ranger denies arresting missing Nakuru fisherman Brian Odhiambo

Evans Kimaiyo took the stand before Senior Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion at the Nakuru Law Courts on Monday as he opened his defence in a case in which six KWS officers are charged with abducting and unlawfully confining Odhiambo.

Odhiambo disappeared on January 18, 2025, after he was allegedly arrested by KWS officers for illegal fishing at Lake Nakuru National Park.

During his testimony, Kimaiyo denied that the person arrested that day was Odhiambo, saying the suspect bore no resemblance to photographs later provided by the missing fisherman's family.

However, under cross-examination by defence lawyers Kipkoech Ngetich, Mogendi Abuya and Paul Wanjiru, as well as the prosecution, Kimaiyo admitted the man they apprehended was dressed in black, dirty clothes, matching the description earlier given by Odhiambo's relatives.

Kimaiyo told the court the suspect fled after spotting the officers, prompting Senior Sergeant Francis Wachira to order the team to pursue him on foot.

He denied claims that the suspect was assaulted during the arrest but struggled to explain how fellow officers Isaac Ochieng and Alexander Lorogoi managed to stop a fleeing suspect without using force or causing injuries.

The court also heard that Kimaiyo could not explain why the officers failed to establish the suspect's identity or question him about his presence in the protected area before the alleged incident.

The case will be mentioned on July 20 for further hearing.

Kimaiyo is among six KWS officers charged in connection with Odhiambo's alleged abduction and unlawful confinement. The other accused are Francis Wachira, Alexander Lorogoi, Isaac Ochieng, Michael Wabukala and Abdulrahaman Ali Sudi.