Man abducted, killed after visiting Ruto had expressed fear for his life

The youthful politician who visited Deputy President William Ruto at his Karen residence last month and was later tortured to death before his body was dumped in a river in Othaya had expressed fears about his life.

Joseph Ochieng alias Obude 28 (pictured), was abducted on February 19 and his body was found dumped in River Thuti in Othaya, Nyeri county.

Police have however denied reports that he was abducted by officers and said they have launched investigations.

But in an interesting twist, the deceased’s mother Selina Atieno Masawa yesterday said she will not pursue any justice for her son who has been brutally murdered over 150 km away from where he was abducted.

“It is painful that I have lost a dear son. But I am glad that the body was found and I can give him a decent send-off. I fear for my life and will not pursue the matter with the authorities,” she said.

Atieno said from the way they were being treated at the police station, she was convinced her son was not in the hands of criminals.

“It was quite clear the police knew his whereabouts and were not keen on investigating,” she said.

The mother said she got a call informing her that her son had been picked by people believed to be police officers on February 19 at around 3.30 pm who then bundled him in a Toyota Probox before they drove away to an unknown destination.

 “We went and reported the matter at Muthangari Police Station but we did not get much help. We then decided to report the matter to the IPOA,” the mother said.

On February 23, the family decided to share his photo on social media forums.