Two Families Find Their Missing Loved Ones Among Yala Bodies

Two families have identified their kin among the 21 bodies that have been pulled out River Yala over the last three months.

First off, was the family of 37-year-old Philemon Cheruiyot Chepkwony who was travelling from Nairobi for Kipkelion, Kericho County in the company of his best friend Peter Kio Matuku on December 2, 2021.

Ben Chepkwony, Philemon's elder brother said that they hired a car that was driven by one, Edu. During the journey, the deceased were four in the vehicle.

FIle image of Benson Chepkwony. |Photo| Courtesy|

However, the family became suspicious when his wife called them asking if Philemon had reached Kipkelion. His phone had gone unanswered.

The vehicle they had hired was later found abandoned in Gilgil.

In a bid to locate their kin, the family visited all mortuaries in Nairobi, Nakuru and Karura forest but to no avail.

When news of the Yala bodies broke out, the family immediately visited the Yala Sub-County Mortuary where they found his body. He still had his wedding ring on, and a bracelet with colours from the Kenyan flag.

They also identified Matuku's body. His hands had been tied behind his head.

Philemon is survived by three widows, one in Kericho and two in Nairobi. He owned an electronic shop in Embakasi and a supermarket on Kangundo Road. His family was still at a loss to explain what could have led to his disappearance and brutal killing.

“He never told us his life was in danger and never had a problem with anyone. I wonder why his killers tortured him; his hands were tied and he had stab wounds in the abdomen,” said Meshack, his younger brother.

Also, Irene Wahito Kifafa was able to identify the body of her missing brother Erastus Ndirang.

He was reported missing on September 16, 2021, while in the company of two of his friends- one from Nyeri and another from Muranga.

“I was able to identify his teeth and the legs which looked like mine. But I am waiting for the other family members to come so that I am sure and also make plans on how to transfer him from here,” said Wahito.

Other families have since flocked the facility seeking to find their loved ones.