Tension,hope, grips Nakuru court as six KWS officers face abduction charges

Six individuals connected to the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo appeared in court yesterday, facing charges of abduction with intent to confine.

Over the past four months, Brian Odhiambo’s case has captured public attention, with outpouring public support growing since the case first emerged.

At the Nakuru law courts, the courtroom was packed to the brim, with some people even spilling into the corridors, straining to follow the proceedings.

The tension in the air was almost tangible—everyone was on edge, waiting to catch a glimpse of the Kenya Wildlife Service officers believed to be involved in Brian Odhiambo’s disappearance.

As the minutes ticked by, the anticipation kept building. The crowd was eager for the case to unfold, hoping to finally see the suspects stand in the dock.

But just as the case was about to begin, an unexpected delay occurred—the file hadn’t made it to the courtroom. The Magistrate, in response, called for a short break.

During the wait, the courtroom filled with a cacophony of voices. Family members, friends, and residents from Nakuru began singing the national anthem, and soon, chants filled the air, demanding justice for Brian Odhiambo.

It was a powerful moment of unity, as everyone seemed to share a single, urgent wish: to see justice served.

Within the confines of the law courts, conversations were buzzing. Civil society organizations, politicians, and supporters of Brian gathered in small groups, discussing the case with determination in their eyes.

There was a sense of optimism, and the smiles on their faces reflected a belief that, finally, the wheels of justice were in motion.

Elizabeth Auma, Brian’s mother, spoke with Mtaa Wangu and shared her feelings of hope. “I’ve never been more hopeful,” she says. “This is a step in the right direction.”

At around noon, the six suspects were called to stand in the dock. One by one, they stepped forward as the crowd, now on edge, raised their phones, eager to capture the moment.

Each suspect was wearing a black mask and a hoodie, concealing their identities. The tension in the room grew as people anxiously awaited the moment when the masks would come off.

Seeing the crowd's agitation, the Principal Magistrate ordered the suspects to remove their masks and stand in the order in which their names appeared on the charge sheet.

A hush fell over the room, and the atmosphere became heavy with anticipation.

As the court proceedings began, a pin-drop silence descended. Every eye was fixed on the dock, and the entire room seemed to hold its breath, waiting to see how the case would unfold.

All the suspects pleaded not guilty. Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion announced that he would deliver his ruling on bail terms on May 12.