The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported on Tuesday that it had apprehended a suspect linked to the murder of former Human Resource Manager Willis Ayieko.
The arrest occurred late on Monday, October 28, when the suspect was found at his hideout in Dandora Phase IV, Nairobi. According to a brief DCI statement, the suspect had rented the property using money allegedly obtained from the crime, which has since drawn widespread national attention.
Following his arrest, the suspect was taken to Muthaiga Police Station, where he is being held pending further interrogation by detectives regarding the murder charges.
Forensic evidence from the DCI indicated the suspect was present at the crime scene. The investigation, led by a joint team from DCI’s Homicide, Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), and Operations units, continues as authorities work to identify and apprehend other involved individuals.
Ayieko, who had been missing since attending a funeral in North Gem, Siaya County, on October 18, was found dead on October 23. His abandoned Ford Ranger was discovered in Sabatia, Vihiga County, hours before his body was located.
Disturbingly, his body was found near a stream, handcuffed and severely mutilated. Ayieko’s family disputes robbery as a motive, believing instead that his murder was premeditated due to the extreme injuries he sustained. “He was cut. Eyes gouged, ears cut, nose and mouth mutilated. Why die such a painful death?” his brother questioned during a recent interview.
CCTV footage from October 19 revealed two suspects leaving Ayieko’s vehicle at a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County. Authorities believe these individuals deliberately disabled the car’s dashcam on October 18—the day Ayieko disappeared—to evade identification and capture.
Currently, Ayieko’s body remains at the Aga Khan Hospital Mortuary, awaiting an autopsy to clarify his cause of death.
This tragedy unfolds amid an alarming rise in disappearances and murders across the nation. On October 23, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) condemned the growing trend of violent incidents, urging the Inspector General of Police to thoroughly investigate, deliver justice, and bolster public safety.