The case of a missing Wells Fargo Human Resources manager took a tragic turn when the body of the 49-year-old executive was discovered in Siaya County, Kenya.
Willis Ayieko, went missing last Friday, and his handcuffed body was discovered near a stream on Wednesday, deepening fears of foul play in his mysterious disappearance.
Ayieko was last seen after attending a funeral in Gem on Friday, before heading to his home in Kakamega to attend a family function the following day. When he failed to arrive, his family raised the alarm, fearing that he had been attacked en route.
Siaya Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed the grim discovery. “We received a call from the public alerting us to a body near a stream in Yala. On arrival, we found the deceased handcuffed, which immediately raised suspicions of foul play. Investigations are underway to establish the circumstances of his death,” Wafula said.
Ayieko’s vehicle, a Ford Ranger double-cab pick-up, was found abandoned at a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County, miles from where his body was found. “CCTV footage from the petrol station shows two men parking the vehicle before fleeing the scene. We are analysing the footage and working with our colleagues in Vihiga to identify the suspects,” Wafula added.
Stressing the seriousness of the case, the police commander said, “Given the nature of the incident and the manner in which Ayieko’s body was found, we are treating it as a possible murder. We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this.
Ayieko’s family remain in shock as they wait for answers. “We are devastated by his death. He was a peaceful man with no known enemies and it is difficult to understand why anyone would want to harm him,” said a family member.
Wafula confirmed that Ayieko’s body had been taken to the Aga Khan Hospital mortuary for preservation, with an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
“We are appealing to anyone with information that could assist in this investigation to come forward. Every lead is vital at this stage,” he urged, adding that the public’s cooperation has been helpful so far.
As the investigation continues, authorities hope that CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts will help to piece together the final moments leading up to Ayieko’s death and bring much-needed closure to his grieving family.
