The High Court in Nakuru has issued a writ of habeas corpus compelling the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nakuru East Sub County and the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) Officer in Charge of Lake Nakuru National Park to produce Brian Odhaimbo Ochieng, a man allegedly abducted at the park.
In a ruling made on Friday, January 24, 2025, Justice Julius Nang’ea certified the petition filed by the Independent Medical Legal Unit (IMLU) and Elizabeth Auma as urgent. The petition, dated January 22, 2025, was brought under a certificate of urgency.
The court directed that the respondents produce Brian Ochieng or his body before the Nakuru High Court on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at 9:00 am.
Additionally, the respondents are required to appear in court on the same date to explain the reasons for Ochieng’s alleged arrest or detention.
KWS and DCI Directed to Produce Brian in Court
The petitioners told the court that Ochieng was abducted under unclear circumstances by individuals believed to be officers from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
The court warned that any failure to comply with the order would result in severe legal consequences.
The next hearing is scheduled for January 28, 2025, where the court will seek clarification on the matter from the concerned parties.
This development comes as concerns over alleged abductions and extrajudicial actions continue to raise alarm among human rights groups and citizens.
Also Read:Â Protestors Set Lake Nakuru National Park on Fire
Protests have erupted in the Lake Nakuru National Park region since Brian went missing, with residents demanding his release.
On Thursday, January 23, the protests turned violent as demonstrators set fire to a section of the park.
At least 20 students from Kimathi Secondary School received medical treatment after police used teargas to disperse the crowd protesting the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo on the same date.
Local leaders, residents, and human rights organizations have expressed their concerns over Brian’s disappearance, calling for accountability from Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers.
Local Leaders and Human Rights Groups Demand Accountability from KWS
Nakuru East MP David Gikaria has consistently called for accountability and the prosecution of the KWS officer accused of abducting Brian Odhiambo.
Hussein Khalid, CEO of Vocal Africa and an activist, has urged the government to swiftly investigate Brian’s whereabouts.
Also Read:Â Family Reveals Last Moments of Son Who Went Missing After Alleged Arrest by KWS
Brian was reportedly last seen on Saturday, January 18, 2025, after he was allegedly taken by officers from the KWS. His family has been searching for him since his disappearance, visiting hospitals and morgues in Nakuru without success.
“The DCI informed us that they will summon some of the KWS officers. We have searched various medical facilities, but we have not found him. We have gone ward by ward and checked in casualty and mortuary sections, but still have not located him,” said Alvy Okello, Brian’s wife.
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