The body of Willis Ayieko, a senior Human Resource Manager at Wells Fargo, was found in a stream in Yala, Siaya County, on October 23, days after his family reported him missing.
Ayieko was last seen attending a funeral in Gem, Siaya County, on Friday, October 18. Following his disappearance, his orange Ford Ranger pickup was later found abandoned near a petrol station in Sabatia, Vihiga County. It was captured on CCTV being left behind by two unidentified men.
Police say Ayieko’s body had visible bruises on the face and stomach, adding to suspicions of foul play. The vehicle discovery, coupled with CCTV footage showing two men abandoning it, has led investigators to treat the case as a possible homicide.
A team of detectives is currently reviewing the footage to identify the men, who may provide crucial leads to the final moments of the deceased human resource manager.
Mysterious circumstances surrounding his disappearance
The details surrounding Ayieko’s disappearance are shrouded in mystery, with his family and colleagues left grappling for answers.
Ayieko had been expected to attend a family event in Kakamega the day after the funeral but never arrived, sparking concerns about his whereabouts. His body, found handcuffed near the stream, points to a murder, raising fears of a targeted attack.
A team from the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is exploring multiple theories, with some speculating that Ayieko’s role as a Human Resource Manager could have played a part in his death.
Given the recent layouts in several company, including Well’s Fargo, it is suspected that Ayieko’s abduction could be connected to professional decisions he made. However, the motive remains unclear as police intensify their efforts to piece together what led to his untimely demise.
Ongoing investigations
Siaya Sub-County Police Commander Charles Wafula has confirmed that the police are treating the case as a possible homicide. “The circumstances of how Ayieko was found, coupled with the evidence of handcuffs, raise serious concerns,” Wafula said.
Authorities are analyzing CCTV footage and pursuing leads in hopes of identifying the individuals seen abandoning Ayieko’s vehicle. As the investigation continues, the police are calling on the public to come forward with any information that might shed light on this case.
Ayieko’s family, devastated by the loss of their loved one, is desperate for answers and closure. For now, the body has been transferred to the Aga Khan Hospital mortuary, where an autopsy will help determine the exact cause of death, as detectives work to uncover the truth behind this tragedy.
Who Was Willis Ayieko?
Willis Ayieko was a seasoned HR professional, and he was serving as the Human Resource Manager at Wells Fargo, a leading security services company in Kenya. Ayieko had been with Wells Fargo for nearly a decade, contributing his expertise in HR strategy and talent management.
Before joining Wells Fargo, Ayieko held various roles at GardaWorld, Tradewinds Aviation Services Ltd, and Kenya Airways. His background in labor relations, employee welfare, and organizational development made him a key figure in managing people within high-pressure environments.
Educated at JKUAT, where he earned an MBA with a focus on Human Resource Management, Ayieko was known for his strong leadership skills. He was also an IATA-certified and ICAO-approved trainer, and served as a Consultant Faculty Member of the IATA Training Development Institute.