Family in agony after man mysteriously disappears in Mlolongo
By Christine Musa, August 29, 2025A family in Mlolongo, Mulinge Phase 4 village in Machakos County, is in pain after their kin went missing mysteriously three weeks ago without a trace.
Forty-seven-year-old Nicholas Alex Otieno went missing on August 7, 2025, shortly after leaving his home for a nearby clinic for a head dressing.
According to his wife, Marion Ndunge, the father of two had been injured the previous day by unknown assailants following an altercation involving community land ownership, pitting residents of the area and another group eyeing the same piece.
“A day prior to my husband disappearance, he was among those injured during a confrontation between locals and unknown goons over community land. He had sustained minor injuries on the head. He was went back to the clinic for a fresh dressing as he had been advised by the doctor,” Ndunge claimed.
She claims that while her husband, who worked as a casual labourer on a construction site, arrived at the facility, he informed her, but that was the last call he had with him.
” My husband called hurriedly informing me of his arrival at the clinic. He sounded to be under duress and hung up quickly. I unsuccessfully reached out to him two hours later. His phone was off. Since that day we have not heard from him and our efforts to trace his last moments have not yielded fruit, “Ndunge further claims.
According to Ndunge, her husband was a peaceful man who survived on menial jobs and had no known enemy, but was actively involved in community rights affairs.
Incident reported
The incident was reported in SNP and Mlolongo police stations on August 9, 2025, as the family continued with the search.
Community members who pitched camp at the Athi River deputy county commissioner’s offices demanding justice have expressed fear that the disappearance might have been linked to an ongoing land tussle.
“We fear that Otieno might have been abducted by land claimants who have been terrorising us over the piece of land we reside. He has been vocal in opposing grabbing attempts by private developers. Recently, we have had confrontations and threats as a community from unknown individuals who claim ownership of our land. Just how individuals abruptly come and claim a 28 acre portion of occupied land is shocking to us,” John Kioko, a resident, said.
Under investigation
Athi River East Subcounty police commander Anderson Mbae says the matter is under investigation.
” We have taken the matter with all the seriousness it deserves. I would want to urge family members and the community to exercise patience and avert actions that jeopardise investigations. Claims that the disappearance is linked to land dispute will be investigated. Community members should detest from inciting others against the investigating agencies. Any individual with crucial information that can help unravel the mysterious disappearance is urged to provide the same to the investigating officers. There is no intention to obstruct justice. We are in top gear to establish Otieno’s whereabouts,” Mbae said.
The police commander also reassured residents of the area of beefed security amid calls to locals to report any suspicious persons and activities.
Mbae also cautioned locals to resolve land matters with the relevant land authorities and the court.