The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has told the High Court that difficulties in obtaining witness statements are hampering investigations into an alleged abduction case of Michael Oloo Osoro, Macmillan Kiarie and Evans Otieno
During proceedings, IPOA investigator told Court that several attempts to reach witnesses and family members of the three missing persons had been unsuccessful, with some individuals reportedly declining to record statements over fears for their lives.
The investigators explained that the matter was reported to them by a citizen who had come across information about the alleged abductions on social media. Following the report, they recorded the complainant’s statement and commenced investigations. However, he told the court that the information provided by the complainant was limited because it was largely based on what he had seen on social media.
The Court heard that IPOA had made efforts to contact individuals believed to have information relevant to the abduction but had encountered resistance from some potential witnesses.
According to IPOA, some people who were reportedly present during the alleged abduction of one of the missing persons declined to record statements, citing concerns for their safety. The investigator added that the individuals remained reluctant even after being informed that they could be placed under witness protection. He also told court that said he had visited the area where Zizou reportedly lived, in Kiamaiko, in an attempt to reach his relatives and obtain information that could assist the investigation. However, the people he approached were reportedly unwilling to record statements.
The court also heard that investigators had attempted to contact the father of another alleged victim, Macmillan Kiarie.
The Court heard that Macmillan’s father had visited IPOA offices, but the officers handling the investigation were unavailable at the time. Investigators obtained his contact details and subsequently attempted to reach him by phone, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The investigator maintained that statements from witnesses and family members were essential to establishing the circumstances surrounding the alleged abductions and advancing the investigation. In his submissions, the investigator asked lawyer Abner Mango, who represents the families of the missing persons, to help facilitate contact with the witnesses and their families.
He argued that assistance from the families’ legal representative could help build confidence among the witnesses and reassure them about the purpose of recording statements and the measures available to protect their safety.
The investigator maintained that IPOA is committed to pursuing the matter but said their progress depended partly on obtaining information from people who could shed light on the alleged incidents.
The proceedings come amid concerns over witness safety and the effectiveness of protection measures in the ongoing investigation.
