Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has joined Kenyans in mourning Nakuru-based activist Raymond Otieno.
In a statement on X, Gachagua expressed his condolences to Otieno's family and the residents of Molo.
“To the family of Raymond Otieno and the people of Molo, I share in your pain and grief. My deepest sympathies to you all,” he said on Monday.
Gachagua also called for justice as he eulogised Otieno, describing him as a “promising young man, a great human rights defender, and a champion.”
Otieno, also known as "Molo President", was found dead in Molo after he was allegedly attacked by unknown assailants with an axe.
His body was discovered outside the gate to his rented apartment.
Otieno was brutally killed on Saturday night around 11 pm as he was heading home.
Close associates allege he had reportedly received death threats from unknown people in the past days.
Police said they are investigating the murder.
On Sunday, Molo MP Kuria Kimani mourned the death and asked the police to get to the bottom of the matter.
“Dear constituents, this morning we have woken up to the sad news of the death of a youth leader, trailblazer and community mobilizer, Richard Raymond,” he said.
“I have known Raymond throughout my political career and he has been a true champion on issues affecting the youth, women and less privileged in the society.”
He added, “His contributions to the sociopolitical welfare of the community living within the larger Molo Constituency and Nakuru County by extension, have been profound and have impacted on many lives.”
MP Kimani urged the locals, who had gone out to protest, to remain calm and give the investigative bodies time to conduct their investigations and bring the perpetrators to book.
The residents stormed the Elburgon mortuary, removed Otieno’s body, placed it on top of a car, and paraded it through the town, demanding justice.
The angry crowd blocked the Njoro-Molo Road with boulders and set bonfires.