Nakuru, Kenya – A post-mortem report has confirmed that Simon Yego, 45, and Collins Kipyatich, 22, who were abducted on May 30 in Tot, Elgeyo Marakwet County, were tortured to death before their mutilated bodies were dumped in Soin Ward, Nakuru County—a revelation that has sparked national outrage and renewed calls for justice.
The victims’ bodies were discovered on the Mogotio–Kipkitur road on the same day they were abducted under chilling circumstances. The men had been tied up, severely mutilated, and bore signs of prolonged torture, according to the post-mortem findings released on Wednesday.
Kipyatich, who had gone to Tot Health Centre for malaria treatment, was abducted from the facility by men posing as police officers who reportedly used an ambulance to whisk him away.
Hours later, Yego, a taxi driver operating a Probox vehicle, was abducted in a similar fashion while ferrying a female passenger.
Armed individuals in an ambulance intercepted the vehicle, interrogated the passenger about the recent murder of Catholic priest Father Alloys Bett, and took off with Yego—leaving the woman behind near the Baringo–Elgeyo Marakwet border.
The abductions have been linked by locals to the May 22 killing of Father Bett, though Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan denied any official connection, insisting that investigations into the murders are ongoing.
Government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu, who conducted the examinations, stated that Kipyatich died from asphyxia due to manual neck compression, with his lungs collapsed and multiple injuries to his head, neck, ears, and chest.
Yego’s post-mortem also pointed to death through torture, though specific details were withheld due to the gruesome nature of the injuries.
“Their hands were severed, their legs tied with ropes, and their bodies bore horrific signs of abuse,” said Cecilia Kemboi, Rongai Sub-County Police Commander, who confirmed that a full-scale investigation is underway.
The families of the deceased identified the bodies at the Nakuru County Mortuary on June 3. Grief quickly turned to anger.
“No one should experience this kind of torture in a free country,” said Benjamin Yego, Simon’s brother. “The government must own up to this atrocity and those behind it must be brought to justice.”
Mercy Kibor, Simon’s sister-in-law, joined other family members in demanding answers:
“If they had committed a crime, why weren’t they taken to court?”
Tot resident Mr Kimutai echoed the community’s frustration, stating that the abductions had shaken public confidence in security agencies.
As pressure mounts, civil society groups and local leaders have called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate allegations of police involvement in the abductions and extrajudicial killings.
The region has been under increased security scrutiny following Father Bett’s murder, with six suspects already arrested. However, locals allege that the ongoing operation has resulted in unlawful detentions and executions, claims the authorities have repeatedly denied.
The deaths of Yego and Kipyatich have further heightened tensions in Elgeyo Marakwet and neighbouring counties, where fear and uncertainty now shadow daily life.
“This is not just about our family,” said Benjamin. “It’s about every Kenyan who wants to live without fear of being disappeared and killed in silence.”
As the families prepare for burial, they say their quest for justice is just beginning.
By Were Kelly
