A post-mortem examination conducted on Richard Otieno, a Molo-based activist commonly referred to as ‘Molo President,’ has disclosed that he succumbed to severe head injuries inflicted by a sharp object. Richard Otieno was attacked close to his rented apartment in Molo. Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor led the two-hour procedure at Kericho County Hospital Mortuary, providing chilling details about the attack. According to Oduor, the injuries were consistent with multiple strikes from a sharp object, likely a machete or axe. “There were multiple slash wounds at the back of the head, which led to a fracture of the skull and excessive bleeding of the brain. There was also slashing of the frontal area, though this one didn’t fracture the skull,” said Oduor.
Additional bruises on Otieno’s face and arms indicated defensive efforts during the brutal assault. “There were also bruises on the face. What we found also were more bruises on the arms, which looked like someone was trying to defend themselves,” he added. How will samples help get Otieno’s killers Body samples, including fingernails, were collected for further DNA analysis, with toxicology tests set to determine if Otieno was incapacitated before the fatal encounter. “When individuals engage in violent confrontations, there’s usually an exchange of DNA material, which is crucial in identifying perpetrators,” said Oduor.
Titus Ngulugu, representing both the family and the Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU), confirmed the findings and commended their accuracy. Speaking on behalf of the family, lawyer Rosalinda Wamaitha expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). “We are optimistic that justice will be delivered, given the positive steps taken so far,” she remarked.
by Didacus Malowa
