Silverio OmariTwo suspects arrested in connection to the murder of Wells Fargo Human Resource Manager Willis Ayieko Onyango were arraigned in Kisumu on Wednesday.
Duncan Ochieng Obong’o, also known as Otuchi, and Samuel Onyango Ongweso, known as Onyango Ja Boda, appeared before Kisumu High Court Deputy Registrar Gertrude Serem on Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively, to face charges related to Ayieko’s death in October.
The two are charged with murder under Section 203, as read with Section 204 of the Penal Code, Chapter 63, Laws of Kenya. According to court filings, the suspects, along with others, are accused of murdering Ayieko between the night of October 18 and October 23, 2024, near Nyamboga stream at the border of Gem and Khwisero sub-counties, located within Siaya and Kakamega counties. During the hearing, the court ordered a mental assessment for Samuel Ochieng and received the assessment report for Duncan Ochieng.
Duncan has been directed to appear for plea-taking on December 18, 2024, while Samuel will be presented on January 8, 2025, pending his report.
Ayieko’s body was discovered on October 24, 2024, near a stream in Nyamninia sub-location, Gem Yala, Siaya County. He had gone missing on October 18, after attending a burial in North Gem. On October 22, his vehicle was found abandoned near a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County.
In connection to the murder, police have apprehended five suspects, including Victor Okoth Ouma, who was arrested in Nairobi’s Dandora estate and later presented at the Siaya Law Courts. Two other suspects were killed by police during separate confrontations.
Forensic evidence places Ouma at the crime scene, and he is also suspected of making transactions through Ayieko’s mobile phone, with the money later withdrawn. Duncan was captured in Bondo, Kisumu County, shortly after the arrest of Fredrick Otieno Omondi, a boda boda rider believed to have assisted in Ayieko’s abduction and murder.
Authorities indicated Duncan’s home was identified as the place where Ayieko was tortured and killed. Omondi allegedly helped transport Ouma to the site of Ayieko’s abduction. Police also fatally shot Robert Okoth, another suspect and Ouma’s brother, in Kisumu, as he was reportedly involved in the crime.
Police have concluded that Ayieko’s murder was the result of a robbery that went wrong. Robert Okoth, a former boxer, is suspected of fatally injuring Ayieko while demanding money, allegedly causing him to hit his head against a wall.
Ayieko was buried on November 9, 2024, in Ongiende, Alego, Siaya County, with his family demanding justice for his death.
Dj Vnyash
