Ugenya MP David Ochieng has added new intrigue to the investigation surrounding the murder of Wells Fargo HR boss Willis Ayieko in an emotional farewell marked by calls for justice.
Speaking at Ayieko’s burial in Siaya County on Saturday, November 9, 2024, Ochieng voiced his belief that those arrested in connection to the murder were only following orders.
“We don’t want theories about Ayieko’s death. We want the person who killed Ayieko not those ones who are sent,” he asserted, echoing the grief and outrage expressed by those gathered.
Ayieko’s disappearance and death have cast a long shadow, as speakers at the burial urged law enforcement to solve the case fully and bring closure to his family and community.
Siaya Governor James Orengo, who attended the service, praised Ayieko’s character and patriotism.
“Today we bade a final farewell to Willis Ayieko who was abducted and brutally murdered. A great son of Siaya has rested, a true patriot and gentleman has left the planet,” he said.
Orengo also offered condolences to Ayieko’s family, expressing his hope that they would find the strength to bear this tragic loss.
“I pray that the Almighty Lord gives the wife and children, my friends Aggrey Onyango, Edwin Ng’ong’a and the entire family the strength and fortitude to bear this tragic loss. RIP Willis Ayieko,” he added.
In a moving tribute, Ayieko’s widow, Esther Wagumba, reflected on the joy her husband brought into their lives.
“The humour and happiness, joy you brought in my life will never be matched. I am a better person because of the person you were in our lives, and I will always love you,” she said.
Former Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa recounted Ayieko’s dedication to his family and his plans for their future.
“Willis loved the family na aliniambia Watoto wangu wakimaliza hio program anataka waende United States. This man has gone was the man of style,” Wamalwa shared.
6 arrested in connection to Ayieko’s murder
Willis Ayieko’s decomposing body was discovered on October 23, 2024, days after he was reported missing on October 21, 2024.
Ayieko’s last known whereabouts were at a funeral in Gem, Siaya County, on October 18, 2024, before he was due to attend a family event in Kakamega.
His vehicle was later found abandoned in Sabatia, Vihiga County.
Police have since detained six individuals connected to his murder, with the sixth suspect arrested on November 8, 2024, in Bondo, Siaya County.
Authorities had earlier recovered a pistol belonging to the slain Wells Fargo HR boss after a dramatic chase.
The weapon, stolen on the night of Ayieko’s tragic death, was located following a community tip-off regarding suspicious individuals seen with a gun in a Toyota Axio at Wagai Trading Centre.
The recovery, announced by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) late at night on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, occurred after police attempted to intercept the vehicle.
This high-speed chase ended when the vehicle overturned in the Kagilo area, leading to the driver’s escape while leaving behind a female passenger who was critically injured.
She later succumbed to her injuries at a hospital in Yala.
Police discovered a loaded pistol containing 11 rounds of ammunition in the abandoned car.
The weapon was later confirmed to be the firearm that had been taken from Ayieko on the night he was murdered on October 23, 2024.
The DCI confirmed the details, highlighting the tragic outcome for the female passenger.
“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,” DCI said.
