Nakuru court orders police, KWS to present missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo dead or alive

The Nakuru High Court has directed the Nakuru East Sub-County DCI and the officer-in-charge of Lake Nakuru National Park to produce fisherman Brian Odhiambo or his body in court on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, and explain the circumstances of his arrest.

Justice Julius Nangea ordered the DCI Nakuru to appear in court on the same date following a petition filed by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU).

This comes as residents of Nakuru have engaged police in running battles, a situation that has become synonymous with the area over the past week.

Residents of Kivumbini, Manyani, and Bondeni in Nakuru East clashed with police in a tense standoff that has gripped the community following the disappearance of the fisherman, who is one of their own.

Odhiambo was last seen in the company of Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers near Lake Nakuru National Park during a routine patrol that has since turned into a mystery.

"Tuliweza kwenda kotini na tukapewa directive jana tarehe 24 ya kwamba DCIO Nakuru East na mkubwa in charge of Lake Nakuru National Park waweze kuappear in court personally on 28th Tuesday saa tatu,” said Nakuru IMLU activist David Kuria.

The residents, who have been on the streets since the day Odhiambo went missing, have vowed to protest until he is produced by KWS officers, who have been accused of beating him up and dragging him into their vehicle, after which he was never seen or heard from again.

"Sisi tumeamua no Brayo, no peace," Esther, a resident said. "Kitu wamefanya ni unconstitutional. Ukishika mtu unampeleka kotini within 24 hours. They are supposed to release that person. Even if it’s the body, they should bring the body so we can see it."

"Kuna haja watupatie mtoto wetu Brayo. Kama wanatuulia watoto, sisi nao tutafanya nini? Watupatie watoto wetu ndio amani ikuwe. Wakitupatia watoto sisi hatuna shida,” a resident said.

According to eyewitnesses, Brian Odhiambo was roughed up and whisked away by Kenya Wildlife Service officers who were manning Lake Nakuru National Park on Saturday, January 18, 2025.