Manyani man shot during missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo's protests cries out for justice
Eliud Ochieng’, better known in Manyani as Okayode walking with the support of crutches after he was shot during the Brian Odhiambo protest at the age of 22 on January 21, 2025.
Life has never been the same for Eliud Ochieng’, better known to Manyani residents as Okayode, since he was shot in the right leg during protests earlier this year.
Once a fisherman on Lake Nakuru and the sole provider for his young family, Ochieng’ now depends on his wife after the injury left him unable to walk unaided.
"I used to work and provide for my family. Now my wife is the one taking care of us. My leg still has an open wound, and I can’t walk properly,” he says.
The 23-year-old was shot on January 21, 2025 during demonstrations demanding justice for Brian Odhiambo, a fisherman who went missing and whose disappearance sparked weeks of protests around Lake Nakuru National Park.
“I was carrying Brian’s family’s pain when I was shot in the right leg while seeking justice for him. I will continue to carry that burden and fight for justice for him until I die. Justice for Brian!” he says defiantly.
Ochieng’ spent four months at Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital, where he was initially fitted with an external fixator before undergoing surgery to insert a locking plate. He was discharged in March, readmitted for a second procedure, and finally discharged in May.
Despite the surgeries, his recovery has been slow. He still requires daily physiotherapy sessions costing Sh1,700 which he cannot afford.
Before his injury, Ochieng’ had hoped to join the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF). He watched this year's recruitment process unfold helplessly from home.
Eliud Ochieng’ on January 21, 2025 as he is being led to the theatre in a stretcher at the Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital after he was allegedly shot by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers during a protest in Bondeni Estate in Nakuru City.
"I had big dreams, but this leg changed everything. The chance to join the KDF slipped away without me even trying," he says quietly.
Ochieng’ claims that he was shot by a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officer whom he knew, yet nearly nine months later, no one has been held accountable. The whereabouts of Odhiambo, whose disappearance sparked the protests, remain unknown.
Ochieng’ says he reported the shooting at Bondeni Police Station and that the case was later referred to the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA). However, there has been no progress since then.
“They keep telling me that the investigation is ongoing, but what has been achieved so far? I live with this pain every day. Sometimes it feels like I’ve been forgotten, like my pain means nothing. I just want justice,” he says.
Despite the authorities' silence, Ochieng' insists that the community's demand for answers remains firm.
“We will not stop fighting. Justice for Brian, and justice for me,” he says.