The noose is tightening around the necks of several close aides of Migori Governor Okoth Obado as investigations into the gruesome murder of Rongo University student Sharon Otieno near completion.
Four of the aides are already in custody over the student’s murder while several others, among them Mr Obado’s close relations, have either been quizzed or have been identified as persons of interest.
But away from the investigations, a tightly knit group known as Sangwenya that claims allegiance to the governor has in the last few years gained notoriety in Migori County and surrounding areas.
Mr Michael Oyamo, Mr Obado’s personal assistant currently in custody over Ms Otieno’s murder, is largely viewed as the leader of the group.
Mr Oyamo, a former Navy officer, is described as a reserved but “ruthlessly efficient and trusted” lieutenant ready to go to any lengths to defend Mr Obado’s interests. Like the governor, Mr Oyamo hails from Rapogi in Uriri constituency.
Mr Benedict Kigen, the Migori County CID boss, told the Sunday Nation that whereas he was aware of the existence of the Sangwenya squad, he was not privy to their criminal acts.
“I have heard of the name Sangwenya but I only know them as youths hooked to politicians for handouts,” Mr Kigen said.
He went on: “I am not aware of their criminal acts. If they are involved in crime, then maybe they do it elsewhere and they are not common.”
So feared is the group that in some restaurants they have reserved tables that no one dares use, said a businessman in Migori Town who requested anonymity.
But Mr Obado’s spokesman, Nicholas Anyuor, distanced the governor’s aides from the group’s operations. “Sangwenya is a group of youths and it operates in Migori and some of its members campaigned for the governor. But it is not true that the governor’s aides are part of Sangwenya,” he said.
SHOCK as it emerges that OBADO runs a killer gang called SANGWENYA, Even UHURU has faced the wrath of the gang in Migori https://t.co/tKHoz0Vx0y via @TheKenyanPost
— DAILY POST (@TheKenyanPost) September 24, 2018