NAIROBI, Kenya – Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined the growing list of Kenyans mourning the death of Nakuru-based activist Raymond Otieno, whose brutal killing over the weekend has sent shockwaves through the country.
In a statement on X, Gachagua extended his condolences to Otieno’s family and the residents of Molo while sharply criticizing the rising tide of political intolerance.
“The level of political intolerance and repression in our country is reaching disproportionate and alarming levels. The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy of infusing fear among Kenyans in a pathetic and archaic strategy to silence government critics after failed abductions,” Gachagua lamented.
“How can a great Nation like Kenya slip into trenches of a failed State where children and women have no breathing space? To the family of Raymond Otieno and the people of Molo, I share in your pain and grief.”
The level of political intolerance and repression in our country is reaching unprorpotionate and alarming levels. The gruesome and brutal murder of Raymond Otieno of Molo over the weekend is a clear testimony of another strategy of infusing fear among Kenyans in a pathetic and…
The former deputy president called for justice, emphasizing that the government cannot remain passive in the face of such brutality.
“As we mourn the death of this promising young man, who was a great human rights defender and champion, we call for justice. His killers must be brought to book come what may. The Government of Kenya cannot afford to sit on the fence on this matter. May God rest the Soul of Raymond Otieno in eternal peace and comfort his family and the people of Molo,” Gachagua added.
On Sunday, Molo MP Kuria Kimani expressed his grief and called for thorough investigations.
“Dear constituents, this morning we have woken up to the sad news of the death of a youth leader, trailblazer, and community mobilizer, Richard Raymond,” Kimani stated.
“I have known Raymond throughout my political career, and he has been a true champion on issues affecting the youth, women, and less privileged in society. His contributions to the sociopolitical welfare of the community within the larger Molo Constituency and Nakuru County have been profound and have impacted many lives.”
Dear constituents, this morning we have woken up to the sad news of the death of a youth leader, trailblazer and community mobilizer, Richard Raymond. Unconfirmed reports reveal that Raymond, met his untimely death under mysterious circumstances last night and his body was…
Kimani urged the residents, who had taken to the streets in protest, to remain calm and allow investigative bodies to conduct their work.
However, the situation escalated as angry residents stormed the Elburgon mortuary, removed Otieno’s body, and paraded it through the town.
They blocked the Njoro-Molo Road with boulders and set bonfires, demanding justice for the slain activist.
