Willis Ayieko: Witness Admits Receiving KSh 9k to Transport Suspects in Murder of Ex-Wells Fargo HR

• A protected witness testified that he was allegedly paid KSh 9,000 by Victor Ouma Okoth to provide a motorcycle and assist in the operation that led to the abduction and murder of Willis Ayieko
• He described how Ayieko was abducted from a homestead during a funeral in Gem, his head covered with a sack and his hands cuffed, before being taken to an unknown location
• The witness claimed he was unaware that a murder had occurred until he was later arrested by DCI officers, stating he had only been told to provide transport and wait for instructions

Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.

A protected witness on Monday, May 26, offered chilling testimony in a Siaya High Court, detailing how he was allegedly paid KSh 9,000 to transport suspects involved in the abduction and murder of Willis Ayieko Onyango, the former human resources manager at Wells Fargo.

Ayieko went missing after attending a funeral at a friend’s home in Gem. He was expected at another event in Kakamega the following day but never arrived, prompting concern over his whereabouts.

Days later, his abandoned vehicle was found, but attempts to trace his movements proved futile as his mobile phones had gone off.

His body was later discovered in a swamp in a shocking condition — face down in the swamp, with his hands handcuffed behind his back, and with no trousers.

What happened during Willis Ayieko's kidnapping?

Testifying under the Witness Protection Agency programme, the witness narrated how he was allegedly approached by the first accused, Victor Ouma Okoth — also known by the aliases Sisco and Govins — to assist in an unspecified operation.

According to a report by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), he said he was promised a good payment if he provided a motorcycle and remained on standby.

The operation was allegedly coordinated by a man identified as 'Champee', described as one of the masterminds behind the killing and now deceased.

According to the witness, on October 18, 2024, Sisco allegedly instructed him to refuel a motorcycle and meet him at 5.30pm in Dudi.

Concerned about fuel, the witness allegedly informed Sisco that the bike was empty. Sisco reportedly advised him to fuel it at a nearby station and send the till number so he could make the payment.

While en route to Dudi, the witness was redirected to Mutumbu Centre, where he allegedly met Sisco and two other men at Amigos Pub. One of them was introduced as Champee.

The witness was then instructed to follow a motorcycle carrying Champee. They stopped amid the journey where the two suspects entered a dark area.

When Sisco and Champee reemerged, they were dressed differently—both now allegedly armed, with one carrying an AK-47 rifle.

"When they returned, their appearances had changed. Sisco donned a black jacket and had a rifle while Champee wore a US military-style jacket and also carried an AK-47 rifle," ODPP said.

The group proceeded to a nearby homestead where a funeral was underway. The witness remained outside while the others went inside. They returned in a vehicle, with Champee behind the wheel.

The witness recounted seeing the suspects lead a man, believed to be Ayieko, whose head was covered with a sack and whose hands were cuffed, into a mud-walled house. Sisco was reportedly armed and ordered the victim to walk.

Later that night, at around 11pm, Sisco allegedly asked the witness to take him to Kisumu to withdraw money.

Using a foldable phone, Sisco allegedly made several M-Pesa withdrawals from the shop.

By 6am, the witness allegedly dropped him back in Dudi and returned the motorcycle to its owner before heading home.

The following day, Sisco allegedly returned in a pickup truck, gathered his belongings, and informed the witness that he had secured a job in Nairobi and was relocating.

The witness told the court he was unaware that a murder had occurred and only learned about Ayieko’s death after being arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

Owner of house where Ayieko was killed paid KSh 5k

Meanwhile, Ayieko was reportedly held captive in a mud-walled house, where neighbours said they heard cries for help.

However, the assailants are said to have misled them, claiming the screams were from a drunk individual they were disciplining.

According to testimony, the house belonged to Dancan Ochieng’, alias Otuchi, who is suspected of having tortured Ayieko to death.

Investigations later revealed that Ouma allegedly sent KSh 5,000 to Otuchi through the sister’s phone number, a payment believed to have been for providing the location where Ayieko was held and ultimately killed.

Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke