Police heighten manhunt for main suspect in viral assault of Nyamira widow

Police officers in Nyamira are rushing against time to arrest Stephen Mogaka, a 50-year-old man who went viral flogging Mellen Mogaka, a lady who was molested for failing to perform a burial rite in Nyamira County.

Mogaka, who has since gone missing after the emergence of the heart-wrenching clip, is said to be heading towards Migori after the latest phone signal showed he was in Kisii.

Details have also emerged on how Mogaka is a brutal man in his village, and people fear talking about him.

Sleuths from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) indicate that Mogaka may be en route to the border of Kenya and Tanzania.

This is after his phone signal showed that he was in Kisii's Daraja Mbili area before switching his phone off after a few seconds.

The wanted man's last signal on Wednesday indicated that he was at Nyamaiya in South Mugirango, along the border of Kisii and Migori.

Citizen TV crew visited his home market of Kebirigo in West Mugirango, Nyamira County, where he has been operating a business as a phone and electronics dealer.

“Ni jamaa amekuwa akifanya biashara hapa akiuza vitu za masimu za Airtel, hata huwa ako na gari ya Airtel,” said Kebirigo Market Secretary General Philip Matoke.

Tom Ongaga, a business Operator at Kebirigo added, “Ata sisi tulishtuka kuona yeye social media, tunaachia serikali kufanya uchunguzi wake..”

In Kebirigo, Mogaka is a feared man. He is described as ruthless, and many fear saying anything about him that would be negative.

The search for seven more suspects is in top gear in neighboring counties, with two suspects having been arrested, arraigned, and currently in police custody.

“Mimi nitajua kuna haki kamili wakati huyo jamaa ambaye ni mnono atakapokuwa amekamatwa na kuwekwa ndani,” said Mellen.

The incident has sparked countrywide condemnation, with calls for swift justice dominating.