Hundreds of residents from Manyani Estate in Nakuru County took to the streets Monday morning, blocking access to Lake Nakuru National Park while demanding answers about their missing neighbor.
Brian Odhiambo, a 31-year-old local fisherman, was reportedly taken by Kenya Wildlife Service officers on January 19 at Lake Nakuru National Park. His whereabouts remain unknown 24 hours after the alleged arrest.
“KWS wapi? Bring back our son,” chanted protesters who gathered at 9am, setting up burning tires and stone barriers along the main road leading to the park’s entrance.
The demonstration disrupted tourist activities and transport operations around Bondeni area. Anti-riot police responded with tear gas as residents continued their protest, demanding the immediate release of Odhiambo.
Local community leader James Kimani spoke to reporters at the scene. “Our young man was just fishing to feed his family. Since yesterday, no one knows where the KWS officers took him. We need answers now.”
The protest comes amid long-standing tensions between local fishermen and park wardens. Residents have previously reported cases of harassment by KWS officers patrolling the lake area.
Police officers worked to clear the barricades as the protest spread through parts of Bondeni and Kivumbini. Several tourists were forced to postpone their visits to the popular wildlife park.
Mary Akinyi, a resident who witnessed Odhiambo’s arrest, said, “They took him around 4pm yesterday. His family has checked all police stations but cannot find him.”
At the time of reporting, KWS officials had not responded to queries about Odhiambo’s whereabouts. The situation remained tense as more residents joined the demonstration, affecting businesses along the park’s access road.
This incident follows recent community concerns about wildlife management, including an unresolved case from four months ago when a leopard escaped from the park into residential areas.
By Nairobi