Nakuru activists link Daisy Achieng's dissapearance to Brian Odhiambo case

Nakuru-based human rights activist Daisy Achieng’, was found yesterday morning in critical condition at Afraha Maternity Hospital, two days after she was reported missing.

Achieng’, who has been vocal in cases involving police brutality and human rights abuses, disappeared under mysterious circumstances on the evening of May 21.

According to her housemate, Jecinta Achieng’, unidentified individuals came to their home at approximately 7:15 pm. the same day, asking to speak to the owner of the house.

“I went to get her and left them speaking. But as I walked back inside, I overheard raised voices. I couldn’t make out what they were arguing about,” she recounts, adding that out of curiosity, she peeked through the door and saw them leading Daisy outside, saying, “Let’s go and speak from outside the gate.”

Moments later, Jecinta heard more commotion and saw Daisy being pushed into a vehicle. Alarmed, she called another person for help.

When asked if Achieng’ had ever spoken of being threatened, Jecinta says she’d never heard of it from her.

While addressing the media, human rights defenders in the county came in strong to condemn her disappearance.

“We can now confirm that Daisy Achieng’ was found in a poor state, having been abused by unknown individuals. She was unconscious when brought to Afraha Maternity around 5:45 a.m. on May 22. Medical staff say she could not identify herself until hours later,” says Martin Lunalo, a human rights activist.

Lunalo alleges her abduction may be because of two ongoing human rights cases in Nakuru, including the Brian Odhiambo case, in which she is a key witness, and the alleged police killing of Ryan Rwakwazira a year ago in which she has been vocal about.

“She has received threats. We want to know why she’s being pressured to withdraw from these cases,” he says.

He criticized security agencies for what he called “inexcusable laxity,” insisting that they will not be silenced and that justice must be served.

Maimuna Mwinyi, a human rights defender, condemned Achieng’s abduction and called on the government to protect women human rights defenders.

“We ask the government to protect us. Let us, as women, speak out and hold power to account. We are the voice of those who cannot speak for themselves. How can we advocate for justice when we risk disappearing ourselves? We have children, parents, and families looking up to us. It is bad and traumatizing, and the government should allow us to do the needful for our county and country,” she says.

As Daisy recuperates, the human rights defenders are calling for a full investigation into her abduction and protection for those working on human rights, seeing again what is currently happening in the country.

At the time of publishing this story, Daisy could not speak to the media as she was undergoing treatment.