A post-mortem has confirmed that two men abducted in Marakwet on 30 May 2025 were tortured to death, before their mutilated bodies were found dumped in Nakuru County—sparking outrage and demands for justice.
The victims, identified as Simon Yego, 45, and Collins Kipyatich, 22, were allegedly tortured to death, according to a post-mortem report released on Wednesday.
The two men were reportedly abducted hours apart in Tot under chilling circumstances. Kipyatich, who was seeking treatment for malaria at Tot Health Centre, was forcibly taken from the facility by individuals posing as police officers, who used an ambulance to whisk him away.
Later that day, Yego, a taxi driver operating a Probox matatu, was stopped on the road while carrying a female passenger. Armed men emerged from an ambulance, abducted him, and drove off with his vehicle—leaving the passenger behind after questioning her about the recent murder of Catholic priest Father Alloys Bett.
The female passenger, released near the Baringo–Elgeyo Marakwet border, later reported that the abductors interrogated her about the priest’s killing.
Families of the victims believe the abductions may be linked to the ongoing investigation into Father Bett’s murder on May 22, although Rift Valley Regional Commissioner Abdi Hassan has denied any connection, stating that investigations are ongoing.
On May 30, residents of Kapnyangale village in Soin Ward, Nakuru County, discovered the mutilated bodies along the Mogotio–Kipkitur road. The victims’ hands had been severed, their legs tied with ropes, and their bodies bore signs of severe torture.
Rongai Sub-County Police Commander Cecilia Kemboi confirmed that investigations are underway, amid growing insecurity in Nakuru following a spate of recent murder cases.
A post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Dr Titus Ngulungu revealed that Kipyatich died from asphyxia due to manual neck compression, with collapsed lungs and injuries to the head, neck, ears, and chest. Yego’s cause of death was also attributed to torture, though specific details were not disclosed.
“No one should experience this form of torture in a free country, regardless of their offence. The government must own up to this atrocity and those behind the action arrested,” said Benjamin Yego, Simon’s brother, demanding accountability from security agencies.
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The families, who identified the bodies at Nakuru County Mortuary on June 3, expressed grief and frustration. “If they had done anything wrong, they should have been taken to court,” said Mr Kimutai, a Tot resident. Mercy Kibor, Yego’s sister-in-law, urged swift investigations to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The abductions have heightened fears in Elgeyo Marakwet, where a security operation targeting banditry is underway. The region has seen rising tension following Father Bett’s murder, with police arresting six suspects. Locals allege the operation has led to extrajudicial actions—claims which authorities deny.
As the families mourn, they continue to demand answers and justice for Yego and Kipyatich, whose deaths have left the community in shock. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been called upon to investigate the alleged involvement of security officers.
– By Jeremiah Richu
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