Three bodies, including that of a police officer who had been missing for about two weeks, have been recovered from River Yala in separate incidents, leaving residents of Emuhaya Sub-County in Vihiga County demanding answers over the deaths.
The discoveries have sparked grief and anxiety among residents, with families seeking justice and authorities facing calls to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and possible links between the incidents.
The latest body recovered from the river was identified as Wilson Mukuna, a resident of Esibuye Sub-location, who had reportedly been abducted by unknown people days before his remains were discovered.
According to his family, Mukuna was taken at around 10 pm by people travelling in an unmarked vehicle. His body was later discovered in River Yala by young men who had gone into the river to prospect for gold.
The circumstances surrounding his abduction and death remain unclear, prompting calls from residents for investigations to establish who was responsible.
Another body recovered from the river was identified as Police Constable Manase Ndakala, who was attached to Hobuyaya Police Station in Emuhaya.
Ndakala had been missing for approximately two weeks before his decomposing body was discovered trapped in River Yala following a search involving his family and fellow police officers.
Emuhaya Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD) George Opere, who led the search operation, confirmed the recovery and said investigations had been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding the officer’s death.
A woman who reportedly hosted the officer at her compound before he went missing has been arrested for questioning by detectives as investigations continue. Her arrest does not establish responsibility for his death.
The third case involves a young man from Ebuyangu whose body was also retrieved from River Yala. Authorities have yet to establish the circumstances surrounding his death.
The discoveries have drawn reactions from local leaders, who have called for thorough investigations and accountability for the affected families.
Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi sent his condolences to the bereaved families and called for investigations into the deaths.
Emuhaya parliamentary hopeful Dr Zablon Okwoku also condemned the killings while addressing residents during the launch of the third edition of the Dr Zablon Ksh2 million tournament at Emukunzi Grounds on Wednesday, November 11, 2026.
Okwoku called on investigative agencies to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly the disappearance and killing of Constable.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to families of those people murdered and dumped in River Yala during this painful moment. The circumstances surrounding these disappearances and deaths are deeply disturbing and demand urgent, thorough and transparent investigations,” he said.
Okwoku also called for investigations into possible links between the incidents and other similar cases reported in Emuhaya, adding that those found responsible should face the law.
“I urge the authorities to act with the urgency and seriousness this matter deserves. My thoughts and prayers are with families and all those affected by similar tragedies in Emuhaya,” he said.
River Yala has previously featured in reports involving the recovery of bodies, raising concerns among residents about the use of the waterway as a suspected dumping site for victims of violent deaths.
The latest discoveries have renewed calls for investigations to establish the circumstances behind the deaths and bring those responsible to justice.
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