Murkomen promises justice for missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo after mother interrupts his speech

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has promised to personally follow up on the mysterious disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, the fisherman who was allegedly abducted by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers from the Lake Nakuru National Park on January 18.

Odhiambo’s whereabouts have remained unknown since then, sparking widespread protests in Nakuru, as his family now fears the worst.

Murkomen made the commitment in Nakuru on Wednesday after meeting with Elizabeth Auma, Odhiambo’s mother.

Auma was able to get an audience with Murkomen after interrupting his speech at the Shabab settlement earlier in the day, storming up to the podium as the CS addressed those in attendance.

Despite efforts by police to restrain her, Murkomen beckoned them to let her through. She briefly whispered into the CS’ ear before he directed her to the VIP section.

“Nitashugulikia hiyo maneno saa hii; pole mama,” said Murkomen, who continued with the address.

Afterward, Auma was able to get in Murkomen’s ear, lamenting the mysterious disappearance of her 31-year-old son, whom she says was her family’s sole breadwinner.

“All I want is justice for my son; he was our only bread winner. He used to pay my rent and school fees for his siblings. He also has a wife and two kids. I got pregnant with him when I was still in school and I dropped out. I feel like I’m going mad and that’s why I ran to you; please help me,” said a weeping Auma.

“I just want to find him so that we can all move on and focus on other things and that’s why I disregarded the police when I approached you.”

In response, Murkomen pledged to coordinate with investigators and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“Nikirudi Nairobi nitaketi na wale ambao walikuwa wanafanya investigation, wanipatie imefika wapi lakini nia yangu ni kuhakikisha umepata haki na ntachukua hii personal. Wacha nipange na watu wa security; ntachukua namba yako, ntakupatia yangu alafu kutoka hapo ntaongea na watu wa security,” said Murkomen as he consoled Auma.  

“Regional Commissioner na County Commissioner wako hapa…na kusema ukweli na sikudanganyi County Commissioner alileta mambo yako hadi kwa ofisi yangu Nairobi. Akaniambia vile anaona kuna watu ambao wamezembea kwa kazi ndio walifanya makosa; kwa hivyo serikali yetu iko na nia ya kupata haki kwa mtoto wako na ntarudi kwako na ujumbe.”