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A witness testified that rangers with KWS discovered Odhiambo motionless and later declared him dead, contradicting an earlier claim that he escaped custody, as the trial of six officers continues.
Nakuru, Kenya — 2025-09-09 09:11 EAT. Court heard that the body of missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo was discovered motionless inside a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Land Cruiser on January 18, 2025. Prosecution witnesses report that rangers declared him dead—contradicting earlier claims he escaped custody. Final prosecution witness to appear at the alleged abduction site in November.
What happened now: On September 8, 2025, a prosecution witness testified in Nakuru High Court that he saw Brian Odhiambo lying motionless in a KWS vehicle. Another witness corroborated this and identified the six rangers accused of abducting him.
Why it matters: This directly challenges KWS’s account that Odhiambo escaped custody, raising serious questions about the circumstances of his disappearance.
Status: Developing; trial ongoing, final witness scheduled for November 10.
Odhiambo, a fisherman, disappeared on January 18, 2025, during a KWS enforcement operation at Lake Nakuru National Park. Authorities initially claimed he escaped. These testimonies present contradictory evidence and intensify scrutiny on KWS conduct.
Constitution/Acts: Kenya Wildlife Service Act and criminal procedure apply. Abductions and death in custody require investigation under torture, homicide, and custodial death laws.
Mandates: KWS must investigate internally, while the judiciary handles prosecution.
Required next steps: Court visit to abduction site slated for November 10. Higher-level oversight may be necessary.
Prosecution witness (Michael Rono): “I heard them saying… I saw a motionless man inside… he had died.” — testified on September 8, 2025.
Defense/KWS ranger: Earlier claimed Odhiambo “escaped” custody after “jumping out” when allowed to relieve himself.
Witness corroboration: A second witness confirmed identification of Odhiambo and the six accused rangers.
Numbers: Six KWS rangers are charged with abducting Odhiambo.
Documents: Testimonies recorded in court transcripts.
Verification: Two independent witnesses, both serving sentences for illegal fishing, gave consistent accounts.
Security: Public trust in KWS may erode if custodial deaths go unaddressed.
Governance/Economy: Raises concerns about oversight of conservation enforcement agencies.
Regional: Could trigger scrutiny from human rights bodies and affect national image.
Under what circumstances did Odhiambo die—natural, assault, or other?
Will an independent autopsy be conducted?
What is KWS internal investigative response?
Will the abduction site visit yield concrete forensic evidence?
Are there similar unreported incidents involving KWS personnel?
2025-01-18: Odhiambo allegedly arrested by KWS and later seen motionless in vehicle.
2025-01-29: KWS officer claims escape.
2025-09-08: Prosecution witnesses testify; motionless position in Land Cruiser detailed.
2025-11-10: Court expected to visit the alleged abduction site.
Next official action: November 10 court visit and examining officer testimony.
Deadline: November 10, 2025—in-court site investigation.
Signals: Forensic findings, KWS internal memo or report, and potential autopsy results.
