In a significant development for the ongoing investigation into the murder of Willis Ayieko, the former Human Resource Manager at Wells Fargo, police in Gem Wagai sub-county, Siaya have recovered a firearm connected to the crime.
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.
However, the male driver responded by firing at the officers and fleeing toward Luanda town in Vihiga county.
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.
Police continued their search for the fleeing person of interest, leading them to his rented residence at Sagam Trading Centre in Kanyibwop village.
Inside, detectives discovered several items, including a jungle green sweater, military shorts, two pairs of jungle boots, two television sets, an HP laptop, and a Rolex watch.
A woman present at the house was also arrested.
Investigations into the murder of Willis Ayieko are ongoing, with detectives and forensic teams diligently analyzing evidence to uncover more leads in the case.
Among those apprehended is Victor Okoth Ouma, who was taken into custody in Dandora estate, Nairobi.
He appeared in Siaya Law Courts, where authorities were granted 21 days for further detention as part of the ongoing probe.
According to police, forensic evidence placed Ouma at the crime scene, and he is also implicated in unauthorized transactions made through Ayieko’s mobile phone, with funds later withdrawn from the account.
As the investigation deepens, detectives and forensic teams are meticulously analyzing the evidence, seeking to bring clarity and justice to this troubling case that has shaken the country.
