Molo activist murder: New details reveal mastermind was hired for Ksh.300K, received only Ksh.8K

Police have identified Peter Oketch, alias DJ I0, as the alleged mastermind behind the murder of Molo activist Richard Raymond Omollo, popularly known as Molo President.

CCTV footage shows him and two accomplices planning the ambush before fleeing to Tanzania. They are now in custody as investigators pursue more suspects, including the financiers.

According to investigators, Oketch was hired by the unknown individual and went on to recruit other suspects, including boda boda operators and hawkers, to carry out the murder. The group was reportedly promised Ksh.300,000 for executing the plan.

Initially, the suspects were given Ksh.3,000 each, followed by an additional Ksh.5,000, totalling Ksh.8,000 for the six participants.

Lead investigator Inspector Patrick Wachira, in an affidavit requesting more time for the investigation, stated that Oketch recruited Joseph Kihara Kariuki and Evans Aseka. The two were arrested alongside Oketch in Molo town on February 23.

CCTV footage allegedly captured the trio planning the ambush prior to the attack on Omollo.

Investigations also revealed that a blogger linked to the financier was involved in identifying the target, guiding the hired assassins to Omollo.

After the murder, the suspects reportedly fled to Tanzania, where they were sheltered by extended family members before returning to Kenya. Following their arrest, police sought to detain them for 21 days to complete investigations, pursue other suspects, and identify the financiers and beneficiaries who remain at large.

Geolocation data placed the suspects at the same location as Omollo on January 18, the day he was attacked and killed in Elburgon.

The prosecution revealed that a multi-agency operation is underway to capture the remaining suspects. Police requested 21 days to conduct further procedures, including DNA collection, identification parades, and statement recording.

The three suspects, along with six others arrested earlier, bring the total number to nine. In addition to the cash payment, the assassins were allegedly promised a parcel of land as a reward for the murder.

The court had previously granted police permission to detain five suspects, later adding one more for further investigation. 

The accused are expected to appear before Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion for plea-taking on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.