The plea-taking for suspects in the murder of Wells Fargo Human Resource Manager Willis Ayieko Onyango has been deferred to December 18, 2024. Ayieko was tragically killed in what police have described as a robbery gone wrong, leaving his family and community in shock and demanding justice.
Two suspects, Duncan Ochieng Obong’o, alias Otuchi, and Samuel Onyango Ongweso, alias Onyango Ja Boda, were arraigned before Kisumu High Court Deputy Registrar Gertrude Serem on December 11 and 12, 2024. They are charged with murder under Section 203 as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, which carries severe penalties, including the death sentence.
According to court filings, the suspects, jointly with others, are alleged to have committed the murder between October 18 and 23, 2024, near Nyamboga stream at the border of Gem and Khwisero sub-counties, spanning Siaya and Kakamega counties. The brutal killing of Ayieko occurred after he attended a burial in North Gem, Siaya County, and his disappearance triggered an extensive search.
The Crime and Investigation
Ayieko went missing on October 18, 2024. Four days later, his vehicle was discovered abandoned at a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County. On October 24, 2024, his lifeless body was found dumped near Nyamninia in Gem Yala, Siaya County. Police investigations revealed he had been tortured before his death.
Law enforcement officials linked several suspects to the crime, employing forensic analysis and tracking mobile transactions made using Ayieko’s phone. Five suspects were apprehended in connection with the case, including Victor Okoth Ouma, alias Sisco, who was arrested in Dandora, Nairobi. Ouma was placed at the crime scene using forensic evidence and allegedly made financial transactions from Ayieko’s mobile phone before withdrawing the funds.
Among the accused, Duncan Ochieng was arrested in his hideout in Bondo, Kisumu County, while Fredrick Otieno Omondi, a boda boda rider, was apprehended for reportedly transporting Ouma during the abduction.
Two suspects, including Robert Okoth, Ouma’s brother and a former trained boxer, were fatally shot by police during confrontations. Police believe Robert inflicted a fatal injury on Ayieko by hitting his head against a wall while demanding money.
Legal Proceedings
In court, mental assessments were ordered for both Duncan Ochieng and Samuel Onyango. While Duncan’s plea-taking was set for December 18, Samuel’s session was scheduled for January 8, 2025, pending submission of his assessment report.
The family of Ayieko, who was buried on November 9, 2024, at his home in Ongiende, Alego, continues to call for justice. Speaking at the burial, family members described Ayieko as a loving father and a dedicated professional, whose untimely demise has left a void in their lives.
Police Efforts
The Kisumu County police, working in coordination with their counterparts in Nairobi, Siaya, and Kakamega, have worked tirelessly to unravel the case. Their efforts included tracking suspects across multiple counties, recovering evidence, and engaging in forensic investigations.
Despite the arrests, the case has faced delays, frustrating the family and community. The deferral of plea-taking further compounds concerns about the pace of justice delivery in high-profile cases such as this.
Demand for Justice
The murder of Ayieko has sparked outrage and underscored the insecurity challenges facing professionals in Kenya. His family and colleagues have decried the apparent impunity of the perpetrators, urging the judiciary to expedite the case.
As the case proceeds, the spotlight remains on the justice system to ensure a thorough trial and deliver closure to Ayieko’s family. The deferral to December 18, 2024, and the subsequent January 2025 hearing will be crucial in determining the trajectory of this tragic case.
This high-profile murder serves as a grim reminder of the insecurity plaguing parts of Kenya and the need for robust measures to protect citizens and bring perpetrators to book.
