The mother of missing fisherman Brian Odhiambo has accused the Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) of attempting to bribe her to drop an abduction case against six KWS rangers.

Odhiambo went missing on January 18, 2025, allegedly in the hands of six KWS officers who were yesterday charged with abduction with intent to confine.

In a sworn affidavit presented in court yesterday, Elizabeth Auma claimed that three weeks ago, a person identified as Mr Hosea approached her and claimed he had been sent regarding her son’s case.

She submitted that Hosea said he could help her have the matter settled, and he strongly implied that she should stop agitating for her son’s justice.

“He asked me to quote my price so that the matter can go away, and I understood it as an attempt to offer a bribe I exchange for my silence and withdrawal from the pursuit of justice,” she deposed.

She added that before he left, Hosea stated that he would return soon to escalate the discussion, which she interpreted as further pressure, offers, or threats.

“I was deeply disturbed by this encounter and interpreted it as a clear attempt to interfere with the ongoing investigations and obstruct the course of justice,” Auma averred.

She said she believed Hosea was acting on behalf of the six rangers or the KWS in a bid to defeat justice.

Auma reported the matter to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Auma filed her affidavit as the six rangers Francis Wachira, Alexander Lorogoi, Isaac Ochieng, Michael Wabukala, Evans Kimaiyo and Abdulrahaman Suli denied abducting Odhiambo. They appeared before Principal Magistrate Kipkurui Kibelion.

The six applied to be released on reasonable bail terms. Their lawyer, Leon Kalisto, submitted that they were on Sh10,000 police cash bail.

He deposed that they will attend court and appear upon being summoned in the pendency of the abduction trial.

“They have a qualified constitutional right to be released on reasonable bail terms,” he said.

He dismissed Auma’s claims as baseless and said she did not provide the court with any evidence to prove that Hosea was a KWS officer or ally of the rangers.

He added that she did not supply the court with an OB number to prove that she had reported the matter to the police.

The State, through Prosecutor Wambui Kihumba, defended Auma’s affidavit and urged the court to suspend the rangers’ bail until investigations into Auma’s allegations are complete.

“No report has been made but the claims will touch on whether the accused persons should be granted bail. We urge that the allegations to be subjected to investigations,” she said.

Kihumba also urged the court to order that a pre-bail report be submitted within seven days, to ensure the court makes an informed decision.

Lawyers Kipkoech Ngetich, Mogendi Abuya and Paul Wanjir, representing the family and human rights organizations opposed bail.

Kipkoech submitted that the case was of serious nature and those involved were trained officers armed with weapons to protect Kenyans.

“The case is an abduction by security agencies, which are supposed to protect lives. A person disappeared allegedly in their custody and has never been found since January 18,” said Kipkoech.

He said Odhiambo’s disappearance was a compelling reason to deny the six bail.

Alternatively, Kipkoech urged the court to allow Odhiambo’s mother Auma and his wife Alvy Okello to give their testimonies, before the six are released, citing an attempt to interfere with witnesses.

“Abduction is an international crime and the fact that KWS is involved in defending the six, proves interference with the crime scene and witnesses,” he submitted.

Abuya said Odhiambo was still missing and the family was in desperation and pain and there was need to preserve the integrity of the ongoing investigations. He said the six were a flight risk.

“We understand that the charge could be heightened and the accused persons may abscond the court,” he deposed.

Further, Abuya said the matter was of public interest and releasing the six would undermine public confidence and the integrity of the justice system.

Wanjir said releasing the rangers would incite public unrest, disturb public order, and undermine peace and security.

In rebuttal, Kalisto said no evidence had been placed to support the allegations.

Kibelion ordered the prosecution to furnish the defence team with documentary evidence. He remanded the six for seven days.

“Meanwhile the six are remanded at Nakuru GK Prisons pending bail ruling,” ruled Kibelion.

The court will rule on May 12.