The family of slain Busia businessman Alfred Olu Obayo has expressed outrage following a High Court ruling that acquitted the main suspect in his murder, intensifying concerns over accountability within Kenya’s justice system.
Obayo, a prominent entrepreneur and resident of Lwero village in Busia town, was shot dead on 22 February 2021. According to court records, he was attacked while standing on the balcony of the first floor of his Texas Hotel, a property he owned in the town.
The suspect in the case was later arrested in Trans Nzoia County, allegedly found in possession of an AK47 rifle believed to have been used in the killing. The family maintains that ballistic analysis linked the weapon directly to the crime scene.
Despite this, the Busia High Court ruled that the prosecution had not presented sufficient evidence to secure a conviction. Justice Samuel Musyoka delivered the verdict earlier this month, effectively setting the suspect free.
The decision has left Obayo’s family devastated. Speaking on behalf of the family, his widow Christine Makhanu described the ruling as a miscarriage of justice.
She said the outcome raises serious questions about how the case was handled and whether critical evidence was overlooked.
Calls for intervention as family seeks justice
In the wake of the ruling, the family has appealed to Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Office of the Attorney General to intervene. They argue that the case reflects broader systemic issues within the criminal justice process.
The family claims that gaps in investigation and prosecution may have contributed to the acquittal and is now calling for a judicial review.
Obayo’s killing sent shockwaves across Busia business community, where he was widely regarded as an influential figure. His death marked one of the most high-profile murder cases in the region in recent years.
More than five years later, the family says the pain remains raw, compounded by what they see as a failure of justice.
A relative said the family had waited for years believing the truth would prevail but now feels back to the beginning.
The case highlights challenges faced in prosecuting violent crimes, especially where evidence handling and investigative procedures come under scrutiny. Analysts warn that such outcomes risk eroding public trust in legal institutions if not addressed transparently.
As the family continues to seek redress, they say they will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure accountability and justice for Alfred Olu Obayo.
