The tragic disappearance of Wells Fargo Human Resources Manager Willis Ayieko, which occurred on Friday, has culminated in his body being discovered in Gem, Siaya County.
Ayieko vanished after attending a burial in Gem, Siaya County, sparking concerns among his family and friends.
His absence became particularly alarming when he failed to show up for a scheduled event in Kakamega the following day.
His orange Ford pick-up truck was discovered abandoned near a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County., with CCTV footage revealing two unidentified men fleeing the scene after leaving the vehicle behind.
The body of the 41-year-old HR Manager was found with bruises on his face and abdomen kilometres from the abandoned vehicle, raising suspicions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
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Siaya Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula confirmed the incident and said they have launched an investigation into the case, focusing on the two individuals captured in the footage and the vehicle’s movements in the final hours before the discovery.
"Given the nature of the incident and the manner in which Ayieko’s body was found, we are treating this as a possible homicide. We will not rest until we get to the bottom of this," the police said.
Authorities are piecing together the events leading to the grim discovery, in a bid to unravel the mystery surrounding Ayieko’s demise.
“CCTV footage from the petrol station shows two men parking the vehicle before fleeing the scene. We are analyzing the footage and working with our colleagues in Vihiga to identify the suspects,” the police said.
Though the motive for the killing remains unclear, speculations have emerged, particularly from Ayieko's family and colleagues, suggesting that his role as an HR Manager may have placed him at risk.
With his position potentially linked to recent layoffs, police are now investigating whether his professional duties had any bearing on his abduction and subsequent death.
Law enforcement officers have acknowledged the delicate nature of the investigation and are working meticulously to determine whether Ayieko’s work may have made him a target.
The police also appealed to members of the public to offer any information that may lead to the arrest of the perpetrators of the heinous act.
"We are calling on anyone with information that could assist in this investigation to come forward. Every lead is crucial at this stage,” the police said.
Authorities are yet to confirm any links between his death and his career, but the investigation continues as detectives follow leads.