Justice for Brian Odhiambo, anti-fuel hike protests take centre stage at Nakuru’s Linda Mwananchi rally

Calls for justice for the family of missing Nakuru fisherman Brian Odhiambo dominated conversations during the Linda Mwananchi rally in the county on Sunday.

The team led by the Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna condemned what they termed as impunity by government officials in handling of members of the public.

Mr Sifuna claimed the government through the Kenya Wildlife Services is responsible for the disappearance of Brian who they said was in their custody at the time of his disappearance.

Brian Odhiambo went missing on January 18, 2025, after being arrested by wardens from the Lake Nakuru National park and his whereabouts has since remained unknown.

Six officers who were charged with his abduction have since been found with a case two answer over his disappearance.

The case has been subject of many public discourses in the county. His mother Elizabeth Auma has on several occasions addressed the matter in public forums including one which had been attended by the Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

 The Linda Mwananchi rally that took place at the Mazembe Grounds revived the call for justice for the missing fisherman.

Speaking at the rally, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino called for justice for the family and slammed the government for doing less to ensure the family gets justice, noting that the fisherman went missing while in the hands of a government authority, the Kenya Wildlife Services officers.

Babu gave Brian’s mother an opportunity to express her grief following her son’s disappearance.

“I have not been at peace since Brian went missing in January. I am calling upon Gen Z to stand firm and never allow any other youth to go missing; let it end with my son. Step up and take your space in the call for justice. If you slack today, it was my son, tomorrow it might be someone else,” she notes.

Further, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna called upon the government to respect the right to life for each Kenyan citizen, even when they are critiquing its leadership.

Sifuna notes that they need a government that sets its priorities right and works in the interest of its citizens.

“If today the family of Brian was asked whether they want Brian to be served or expansion of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, what would they choose?” Sifuna questions.

Beyond the call for justice, activist Bob Njagi noted that they will take to the streets to protest over the cost of fuel on Tuesday, noting that currently the fees do not favor what wananchi can afford.

The brigade, through Siaya Governor James Orengo, also announced plans to hold protests for three consecutive days in commemoration of lives lost during the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

Speaking during a church service at PAG Kivumbini Church in Nakuru County, Orengo says, “We will hold the demonstrations to honor the lives lost during the protests starting on June 24, 25 and 26 in memory of young people who were killed during the demos,” he notes.

Additionally, Orengo noted that, as Linda Mwananchi, they are asking Kenyans to make the country ungovernable on June 24, 25 and 26, since they have done that before. He added that they want to make sure that the next government in this country will be formed by Linda Mwananchi and that they do not fear prison or anything