Sheila Odoyo Murder Suspect Arrested in Tanzania After 2-Year Manhunt

The late Ohangla dancer Sheila Odoyo’s husband, Jackson Otieno Bambo, has been arrested in Tanzania in connection with her murder following a two-year manhunt. 

In a statement on Saturday, October 24, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Bambo was apprehended following intelligence-led investigations and cross-border collaboration between Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities. 

“A two-year manhunt for a murder suspect accused of killing Sheila Odoyo has culminated in his arrest in Tanzania, following intelligence-led investigations and cross-border collaboration between Kenyan and Tanzanian law enforcement agencies,” read the statement in part. 

Odoyo was found murdered inside her house in Athi River, Machakos County on the morning of May 9, 2024. 

The incident prompted intensive investigations to track down the suspected perpetrator.

With the suspect being on the run, the detectives followed leads, pieced together intelligence and pursued every available avenue to bring him to justice.

The breakthrough came after intelligence placed the fugitive in Kirongwe, Shirati District, Tanzania, where he was reportedly operating a club about 70 kilometres from the Muhuru border point.

Detectives from Athi River, working alongside their counterparts in Nyatike and Tanzanian law enforcement officers, subsequently conducted a joint operation that led to his arrest.

During the arrest, Bambo was found in possession of a Tanzanian national identity card bearing the name James Babu Olang. 

“At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found in possession of a Tanzanian national identity card bearing the name James Babu Olang, a detail that now forms part of the ongoing investigations,” DCI said. 

Following the arrest, Bambo was booked at Nyatike Police Station before being escorted to Athi River Police Station, where he remains in custody pending arraignment on a murder charge.

Elsewhere detectives have arrested Inspector Kenneth Kipkemboi Sang in connection with the murders of Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu and Victoria Nthunya Mutiso. 

In a statement on Saturday, October 24, DCI said the police inspector who has been on the run was nabbed in Eldoret city in Uasin Gishu County. 

“A manhunt for a suspect wanted in connection with the murders of prominent Nairobi lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu and Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso has culminated in his arrest, marking a significant breakthrough in the two investigations.

“Inspector Kenneth Kipkemboi Sang, who had been on the run, was arrested by a team of detectives from DCI Headquarters following actionable intelligence that led them to Eldoret town, Uasin Gishu County,” read the statement in part. 

According to the DCI, detectives intercepted Sang while he was driving a Toyota Fielder along Uganda Road in Eldoret CBD. 

The officer was reportedly in the process of selling the vehicle to raise money for his daily upkeep. 

“His arrest brings a key suspect who had remained at large into police custody, marking a significant step forward in the two murder investigations,” DCI said. 

Following the arrest, Sang was escorted to Eldoret Police Station for processing pending arraignment.