A man has been arraigned before the Ndhiwa Principal Magistrate’s Court in connection with the alleged murder of a businesswoman with whom he was reportedly in a relationship. The accused, identified as John Osodo, is alleged to have killed Joyse Aoko Akumu, a businesswoman hailing from Rongo town in Migori County. This case has drawn significant attention due to the nature of the relationship between the accused and the victim, as well as the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.
According to an affidavit sworn by Stanslous Mwita, a police officer attached to Ndhiwa Police Station, the incident is believed to have occurred between the night of September 18 and the morning of September 19, 2026. The court was informed that Osodo and Akumu had traveled together from Sori Town in Migori County to Ndhiwa on the evening of September 18. This journey culminated in their arrival in Ndhiwa Town, where they checked into Turphy Guest House at approximately 7:40 pm. It was noted that Osodo used his M-Pesa-registered phone number to book a room, a detail that has become a crucial part of the police investigation.
After securing their accommodation, the couple reportedly left the guest house and spent a significant portion of the night consuming alcohol. They eventually returned to their room, but the following morning, a grim discovery was made. Akumu’s body was found by attendants at the entrance of the guest house. Preliminary police investigations suggest that the body had been dragged from the room to the entrance, leading to suspicions that the murder took place inside the guest house. This has raised questions about the events that transpired during the night.
Osodo is alleged to have left the premises at an unspecified time and subsequently went into hiding. His disappearance prompted a manhunt, and he was eventually apprehended several days later. The case has highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement in tracking down suspects who attempt to evade capture.
In court, Ndhiwa Principal Magistrate Phylis Shinyada ordered that Osodo be detained for 14 days. This period is intended to allow police to complete their investigations into the alleged murder. As the investigation is ongoing, Osodo has not yet been required to enter a plea to the murder charge. The case continues to unfold as authorities work to piece together the events leading to Akumu’s death, with the community closely watching for developments.
