Former CJ Maraga urges fair trial in missing Nakuru fisherman case
Maraga went ahead to point out that Odhiambo’s case is not an isolated one, as it reflects a disturbing pattern.
Former Chief Justice David Maraga has called on the judiciary to act with courage and fairness in delivering justice in the case of Brian Odhiambo, the missing fisherman from Nakuru.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Sunday, May 18, 2025, Maraga, who is also a candidate for the 2027 presidential election, urged the courts to ensure accountability where it has been lacking.
He expressed solidarity with Odhiambo’s family, who have been enduring immense sorrow since their relative disappeared on January 18, 2025.
He also mentioned that he had visited the family to provide support and stand with them as they prepared for the court hearing scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2025, at Nakuru Law Courts.
"On Friday, I spent time with Mama Brian and her family, sharing in their grief and steadfast commitment to seeking justice. As they get ready for the court sessions starting Monday at Nakuru Law Courts, I made a point to visit and show my support. Brian Odhiambo went missing on January 18, 2025 — a date that remains a painful reminder for his loved ones and community," Maraga said.
Maraga, who made history by becoming the first Chief Justice in the country to overturn a presidential election in 2017, went ahead to point out that Odhiambo’s case is not an isolated one, as it reflects a disturbing pattern.
According to Maraga, it was heartbreaking for him to listen to the victim’s wife narrate how their children have been asking about the whereabouts of their father since his disappearance.
Maraga believes that the judiciary serves as the final safeguard against unchecked wrongdoing, with the hope that justice will ultimately prevail.
"This case is far from unique. It reveals a troubling trend where young fishermen are allegedly targeted, killed, or disappear at the hands of the very agencies entrusted with protecting our natural resources, including the Kenya Wildlife Service. Hearing Brian’s wife describe how their children continue to ask, ‘Where is Dad?’ was profoundly heart-wrenching," he emphasized.
"Such questions should never burden a child, nor should any parent be forced to respond with silence. The judiciary must stand as the ultimate barrier against impunity. I urge the courts to act with bravery and fairness, ensuring accountability is enforced where it has been denied. Justice must be boldly heard, for silence can itself be a form of violence."
