Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has condemned the killing of Richard Otieno, popularly known as Molo President, a prominent youth leader and activist in Molo, Nakuru County.
In a statement on Monday, January 20, Gachagua alleged that the murder of Otieno was a strategy to silence government critics.
The former deputy president further claimed that the level of political repression in the country was reaching 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.
"How can a great nation like Kenya slip into the 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. My deepest sympathies to you all," Gachagua stated.
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He called for a speedy investigation into the incident, maintaining that the government cannot remain passive in addressing the matter
"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," Gachagua remarked.
Otieno was killed on Saturday night, January 18, after being reportedly hit with an axe by unknown assailants.
His death sparked protests by local residents on Sunday, who called for justice over the incident.
Otieno, an aspiring ward representative in Molo constituency, was eulogised as a vibrant leader who championed the rights of the lowly in society.
