Written By Lisa Murimi
Joshua Oduor Otieno, a human rights activist with the Haki Kwetu lobby group, has called for urgent investigations into the rising number of bodies being discovered in River Yala.
This appeal came after a family from Nakuru identified the body of their relative, a teacher who had been missing for a week, after it was retrieved from the river.
The body, which was discovered floating in the river on August 27, was spotted by a fellow activist who promptly alerted colleagues.
With the help of a local diver, the body was recovered and taken to Siaya County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where the family confirmed its identity.
Oduor expressed deep concern over the recurring cases of bodies being dumped in the river, noting that another body was spotted during the retrieval process.
He urged fellow activists and authorities to investigate these alarming incidents, which have become increasingly common in recent months.
A report by Missing Voices revealed that 40 bodies were retrieved from River Yala between 2022 and 2023.
The organization, in collaboration with Amnesty International and other partners, has been pushing for the identification of these victims and justice for their families.
President William Ruto has directed Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo to address the growing concerns of abductions and ensure justice is served.
