The Directorate of Criminal Investigation Kenya has identified the alleged murderer of Wells Fargo Human Resources Manager, Willis Ayieko, as 34-year-old Robert Wakolo Okoth.
Okoth was later killed by the police.
The information revealed through the crime agency X page on Sunday in a notice titled “UPDATES: DIGGING INTO THE PERSON THAT IS PRIME SUSPECT IN AYIEKO’S MURDER” noted that detectives have identified the deceased suspect’s true identity in connection with numerous violent robberies in the region.
Meanwhile, after an eyewitness earlier disclosed to the security personnel that two suspects were seen with firearms in a Toyota Axio, registration number KDN 948B, at Wagai Trading Centre the night Ayieko was murdered, police remained vigilant.
On October 30, after a long chase, a yet-to-be-identified lady who was seen with Okoth during the police chase died at the hospital in Yala from the injury she sustained from a rolling car.
The notice read, “Responding, officers from Wagai Police Station flagged down the suspect’s vehicle, but the male driver defied the orders and instead opened fire on the police while speeding off towards Luanda.
‘This prompted a hot chase that ended at Adder Farm within the Kagilo area, where the vehicle lost control and rolled over on the left side of the road. Unfortunately, the driver managed to escape, leaving behind the female passenger, who was injured and unconscious.
“Upon searching the vehicle, police recovered a pistol loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition, which was identified as the firearm robbed from Mr. Ayieko. The woman was taken to a hospital in Yala, but sadly, she succumbed to her injuries hours later.”
His house located at Sagam Trading Centre within Kanyibwop village was raided by Gem Yala detectives, and an undisclosed lady was arrested.
Items recovered during the raid include a Jungle Green sweater and a military pair of shorts, two pairs of Desert Storm jungle boots, two TV sets (40″ and 32″), an HP laptop, and a Rolex watch, among others.
It was noted that the alleged suspect was neutralized on October 31 after a gun duel at Mulberry Guest House opposite Kisumu National Polytechnic to avert arrest.
It was learnt that three live rounds, among other items, were recovered from him, and his body was deposited in the JOOTRH mortuary for forensic analysis.
According to the recent report released, at the mortuary, the father of the alleged murderer identified the deceased as his son with his real name as “Robert,” explaining that “his son’s real name was Robert Wakolo Okoth, and his alias names George Oduor Okoth and Kim (based on who asked) were only used to cover his criminal trail and escape police dragnets.”
The report added that “a national ID card retrieved from a police exhibit store for wanted criminals earlier seized during a security operation and a report obtained from the National Registration Bureau (NRB) confirmed the father’s claim.”
“Armed with the discovery, the DCI Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau detectives, who had been profiling an unidentified robbery suspect, linked the 34-year-old to a series of violent attacks, including the January 27, 2024 fatal shooting of Ms Grace Awino Odero, who was a Mpesa attendant at Kibuye market near Hekima School in Lolwe.
“In the incident, one suspect was arrested, and an AK-47 rifle earlier robbed from a Ugandan police officer was recovered. Also recovered was a Toyota Axio Reg. No. KDL 301P used by the suspects in the robbery. Robert Wakolo, however, managed to get away.
“In yet another incident on 3rd May, 2024, detectives working on intelligence leads raided Robert’s home in Nyamasaria, recovering another AK 47 rifle, a magazine, and 36 live rounds of ammunition. Although Robert slipped away, again, his 17-year-old younger brother and suspected accomplice was arrested and charged.
“Robert Wakolo was also wanted by Kondele police for robbery with violence and possessing a magazine and ammunition.”
By Helen Okechukwu