The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Homicide Department has secured a court order authorising an extensive search and possible exhumation within Lake Nakuru National Park in connection with the disappearance of Brian Odhiambo, who was allegedly abducted by Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officers in January.

The order allows investigators to search sections of the park, as intelligence reports suggest that Odhiambo may have been secretly buried within the protected area.

According to Abuya Mogendi, who is representing the Odhiambo family and several human rights organisations, the directive is a significant step forward in the quest for truth and closure for the family.

Abuya Mogendi, the Counsel for the Odhiambo family during an interview at Brian Odhiambo's home in Kivumbini on October 9, 2025.

Photo credit: Leleti Jassor/Mtaa Wangu

"The orders were obtained on Monday, and on Wednesday accompanied by DCI officers, we accessed the park and mapped out specific areas to guide the operation," says Mr Mogendi.

He notes that the court has granted the DCI full access to the park, allowing investigators to enter and exit freely to conduct a thorough search and exhume any remains found.

However, Mr Mogendi expresses concern that, despite the clarity of the court's instructions, certain parties were allegedly attempting to derail the process.

“There are elements keen to subvert justice and frustrate the operation. It is worrying that, even with express court orders, we are being told that someone still needs to ‘consult above’ before granting us full access," he says.

He also noted that, while the DCI may not have required fresh authorisation since an earlier court order had directed KWS to cooperate with investigators the move highlights the challenges the homicide team is facing in pursuing the case.

Family, friends and human rights activists welcome the move by the chief Magistrate court granting access to Lake Nakuru National Park for an extensive search of missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo.

Photo credit: Leleti Jassor/Mtaa Wangu

"The order was necessary, but even so, it seems that there are still deliberate attempts to frustrate the investigation, including by KWS itself," says Mr Mogendi.

Despite these setbacks, he remained optimistic that justice would eventually be served.

"The wheels of justice, however slow, will still get us to our destination. We are scheduled to return to court in November, unless the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions directs otherwise," he says.

Brian Odhiambo was reportedly taken by KWS officers near Lake Nakuru National Park on January 18, 2025 and has been missing ever since.

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Leleti Jassor