Richard Otieno Raymond, known as “Prezident,” was a prominent human rights activist and politician based in Molo, Nakuru County, Kenya.
He was tragically found dead under mysterious circumstances outside his home on January 18, 2025.
His death sparked significant public outrage and protests in Elburgon Town, where locals demanded justice for him, even going as far as removing his body from the mortuary to parade it through the streets in protest.
Raymond was known for his vocal criticism of regional leaders, particularly Molo MP Kuria Kimani, and had reportedly received threats due to his activism.
His murder has raised questions about political violence in Kenya, with various sources suggesting that his activism against government policies and his criticism of local politicians might have led to his assassination.
The situation was further complicated by allegations of previous attacks on him, with his lawyer noting that this was not the first incident where he was targeted.
Investigations into his death have been promised by local leaders, including MP Kuria Kimani, who has called for expedient justice.
However, as of the latest reports, the perpetrators have not been identified, leading to continued unrest and calls for transparency and accountability from the authorities.
This case has highlighted ongoing issues of political violence and the safety of human rights defenders in Kenya, with many demanding a thorough investigation to uncover the truth behind Raymond’s killing.
However, sources indicate that MP Kuria Kimani’s bodyguard was on record threatening him, later the MP posted a statement condemning his death with locals claiming the legislator was pretending to be unaware of what happened.