Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers charged with abduction with intent to confine Brian Odhiambo, pleaded not guilty in a Nakuru court yesterday.

The six, Francis Wachira, Alexander Lorogoi, Isaac Ochieng, Michael Kimaiyo, Evans Kipsang’, and Abdulrahman Ali were presented before Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion in a parked court room.

At the point of arguing for their bail terms, both the prosecution and Advocate Abuya Mogendi jointly opposed granting bail to the six suspects, arguing that their release could lead to interference with witnesses.

Advocate Leon Kalisto presenting his submission during the trial of Brian Odhiambo at the Nakuru Law Courts on May 5,2025.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

It emerged that in an affidavit sworn by Elizabeth Auma, Brian Odhiambo's mother, she reveals that about three weeks ago, an individual named Hosea approached her, claiming to have been “sent to talk” about her son’s case.

"He said he could help me resolve the matter and suggested I stop fighting for justice. He told me to 'quote my price' so the issue could go away. I understood this as an attempt to bribe me or offer financial inducement in exchange for my silence and withdrawal from seeking justice for my missing son," she states in the affidavit.

The mother of the 30-year-old explains that the encounter left her deeply disturbed, interpreting it as a clear attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigation.

"I believe, based on the statements and behaviour, that he was acting on behalf of, or in the interest of, the accused, with the intent to undermine the criminal process," she wrote in the court document.

Mr. Kalisto, however, countered that there was no police report to substantiate these allegations. He argued that the claims were mere statements without any concrete evidence to support them.

“The suspects are currently under police cash bail and have appeared before the court. They have a constitutional right to reasonable bail terms and are not considered a flight risk,” Kalisto stated.

In response, Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibellion announced that he would deliver his ruling on bail terms on May 12.

Earlier, the family lawyer had objected to the representation of the accused by Leon Kalisto, who is also a counsel for KWS.

Abuya Mogendi, the lawyer representing the family, argued that Kalisto’s dual role as also a lawyer for KWS could lead to a conflict of interest.

Advocate Abuya Mogendi presenting his submission during the trial of six KWS officers at the Nakuru Law Courts on May 5,2025.

Photo credit: BRET SANYA/MTAA WANGU

He pointed out that allowing Kalisto to defend the accused would essentially pit KWS against the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

Since Kalisto is a government employee drawing a salary from the government, Mogendi stated that he should not be representing the suspects in this case.

However, the Principal Magistrate dismissed the objection, asserting that Kalisto was within his rights to represent the accused.

"Nothing has been presented before me to indicate any prejudice. Aside from defending its employees, KWS is simply protecting its institutional interests. I do not see any conflict of interest here," he said.

The magistrate ordered, the suspects be remanded at the Nakuru GK prison until May 12.

Brian Odhiambo case: Mother reveals alleged bribe attempt

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Bret Sanya