The Kenya Wildlife Service is now facing serious questions after admitting that six of its officers, who have been charged with abducting a fisherman named Brian Odhiambo in Nakuru, are still in active service.
This shocking admission came from the Assistant Director of Lake Nakuru National Park, Emmanuel Koech, during a court session. Despite being formally charged with such a serious crime, the officers have not been suspended, interdicted, or relieved of duty in any way.
This move is raising growing suspicion that KWS could be covering up a possible case of abduction and murder within its ranks.
Koech confirmed that both senior and junior staff, including his predecessor David Oyugi, were transferred from the park shortly after the incident.
But the six suspects Senior Sergeant Francis Wachira, Alexander Lorogoi, Isaac Ochieng, Michael Wabukala, Evans Kimaiyo, and Abdulrahaman Sudi are still working within the park as if nothing happened.
Koech gave a weak explanation, saying they haven’t been interdicted because they are yet to be convicted. But what he failed to explain is why the disciplinary process has dragged on for months, even though the six officers pleaded to the charges back on May 5.
The court also heard disturbing details about how these rangers operated. Koech admitted that although the rangers were on duty and sent to deal with suspected criminal activity, they had no records of any arrests made that day.
This is despite five rangers admitting under oath that they apprehended at least ten individuals, including one believed to be Brian Odhiambo. The suspects were reportedly taken to the park’s offices and later transferred to a police station.
But there is no paper trail, no official report, and no clear account of what exactly happened to Brian after that. Koech even confessed that when handcuffs run short, the rangers use ropes to tie up suspects a troubling detail that adds to fears of abuse.
It is not only disturbing but deeply irresponsible that KWS is allowing suspects in such a serious case to continue wearing the uniform and carrying out duties.
It appears more like an attempt to protect the institution’s image than to seek justice for Brian Odhiambo. With no proper arrest records, a disciplinary process dragging endlessly, and no sign of accountability, the signs of a cover-up are hard to ignore.
What is more painful is the silence from KWS top leadership as a family continues to wait for answers, justice, and dignity for their missing son.
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