Five Suspects arrested over the murder of Molo-based Human Rights Defender Richard Raymond

Nairobi, 3 February 2025

The Defenders Coalition welcomes the speedy investigation by the Nairobi-based Homicide team of the DCI resulting in the arrest of five suspects believed to have murdered Human Rights Defender Richard Raymond Otieno AKA Molo President.

Geoffrey Mavado, John Ndegwa and Jorim Ngonga Sura are believed to have been directly involved in the heinous murder. Clinton Simantu and Peter Mwaniki are suspected of transporting the suspects to and from the scene of crime.

Richard was waylaid and murdered on 18 January 2025 in Elburgon Town, while walking home which is 200 meters from Elburgon Police Station.

While welcoming the news of the arrest of the 5 suspects, Kamau Ngugi, the Executive Director of the Defenders Coalition noted that this will send a strong message that crimes committed against human rights defenders, and indeed all persons shall not be condoned and that perpetrators shall be held to account. He lamented that champion of human rights in Kenya are consistently targeted for persecution with impunity, yet defending human rights is not a crime.

“This, in our view, is a move towards the right direction and an affirmation that any form of violation against human rights defenders cannot go unpunished. Being vocal should not be a death sentence. The government must work tirelessly to ensure that the people who support them in realizing its obligations of safeguarding and fulfilling human rights are protected.”

The Defenders Coalition calls for speedy and transparent prosecution of the suspects so that justice is served.

We call on all Kenyans to be vigilant to protect the rights of all people, hold the duty bearers to accounts and support our human rights defenders who selflessly work to ensure social justice and the protection of the rights of all persons.