The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed more details surrounding the murder of Molo activist Richard Otieno.
In a statement on Saturday, January 25, the DCI disclosed that Otieno, on January 19, 2025, spent the evening at Alpha’s Club in Elburgon town, enjoying a game of pool with friends.
According to the DCI, at around 11 PM, the activist decided to head home. However, upon reaching his gate, he was viciously attacked by unknown assailants, suffering severe head injuries.
“He was quickly taken to Elburgon Sub-County Hospital for emergency treatment, but unfortunately, he was pronounced dead on arrival. Investigations into the case are advancing steadily,” the DCI stated.
DCI Reveals More Details Surrounding Murder of Richard Otieno
The DCI further mentioned that detectives have identified individuals who might provide insights into the case.
“Meanwhile, the investigating team has identified several individuals of interest who may provide crucial insights into this case as it continues to record statements from witnesses,” the DCI added.
Additionally, DCI stated that the autopsy revealed several critical findings: two significant slash wounds on the occipital region, and one stab wound on the upper forehead.
Also Read: Autopsy Reveals How Molo Activist Richard Otieno Died
The directorate further mentioned that Otieno had swollen eyelids, abrasions on the chin and nose, extensive haemorrhage, a fragmented occipital skull fracture, and severe brain haemorrhage.
This comes after an autopsy, performed by government pathologist Johansen Oduor on Fridayk, January 24, confirmed that Otieno died from severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object.
Autopsy Says Molo Activist Died of Severe Head Injury
Speaking after conducting a post-mortem at the Kericho County Level Five Hospital Mortuary, Oduor also revealed that Otieno had bruises on his arms which could suggest that he was struggling to defend himself from the perpetrators.
“There were severe multiple injuries including multiple slash wounds on the back of the head which led to the fracture of the skull and extensive bleeding of the brain,” Oduor said.
“There were also slash wounds on the front area of the skull, though they did not lead to the fracture of the skull and bruises on the face and more bruises on the arm which looked like someone who was trying to defend himself.”
“From those findings, we can say that the late Richard died as a result of severe head injury which was caused by a sharp object which could either be panga or an axe which was used severally on the head.”
Also Read: Family of Molo Activist Richard Otieno Reveals Past Threats Before Murder
Oduor revealed that he had collected samples from the body for analysis to aid in apprehending the perpetrators and to determine whether the deceased was possibly subdued with any substances before being attacked.
“The Lochard principle states that when people meet in a violent manner, there is an exchange of DNA materials,” he said.
“We have collected fingernail samples for DNA analysis, and we have also taken samples for toxicological analysis to determine if something was given to him to slow him down before encountering the assailants at the location where he was.”
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