The prosecution has intensified its case against the suspects charged with the murder of former Wells Fargo human resources manager, Willis Ayieko, by presenting ten witnesses before the Siaya High Court.
The matter is being heard by Justice David Kemei.
Ayieko’s body was discovered in October 2024 in a stream near the Siaya–Kakamega border, prompting an extensive investigation and the arrest of the accused persons.
One of the first witnesses to take the stand was the sister of the first accused, Victor Ouma Okoth.
She narrated her brother’s sudden behavioural change despite having been admitted to Egerton University to study Medicine.
She told the court that he asked her to register a mobile phone number using her identification documents, a request she found suspicious.
Their father also testified, giving insight into the family’s concerns about criminal activity involving his sons.
He described how his older son, who police say was later shot dead during a confrontation with officers investigating the killing, once returned home carrying an AK-47 rifle.
He recounted that the son claimed he intended to kill a neighbour he believed had informed police about the family’s alleged involvement in crime.
He told the court that the incident left him fearful and unsure how to handle his son’s escalating behaviour.
A key portion of the hearing focused on forensic evidence.
Chief Inspector Kieti, a DCI forensic analyst, presented a step-by-step reconstruction of the crime scene using photographic exhibits.
He outlined how the body was found, the condition of the area, observations from the postmortem, and physical indicators such as drag marks and positioning of the remains.
He also submitted a detailed forensic report linking the scene of crime, a drinking joint where the accused allegedly met before the incident and other investigative leads.
The prosecution further presented evidence on suspected financial activity carried out using Ayieko’s identity.
An M-Pesa agent testified that one of the accused withdrew Ksh 145,000 using a mobile number registered in the deceased’s name.
He supported his testimony with CCTV footage from his shop and said the individual presented an identification card bearing Ayieko’s details.
Another witness, the Kisa West Location Chief, told the court that he first received a missing-person report before later being informed that a body had been spotted in a stream.
He said police were already securing the area when he arrived.
The body was identified at the scene by the deceased’s brother, Aggrey Onyango.
Wagai Police Station OCS, Chief Inspector Kanano Elema, also testified.
He told the court that officers intercepted a Toyota Axio after receiving reports of two men acting suspiciously.
A pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition were recovered from the vehicle.
Subsequent forensic examination confirmed that the firearm belonged to Willis Ayieko.
The prosecution, led by Joyce Mumu, Soita China and Mercy Mutheu, is expected to call more witnesses as it works to establish a complete chain of events connecting the suspects to Ayieko’s death.
The hearing will continue on February 23 and 24, 2026.
By Andrew Kariuki
