A young boda boda rider who vanished under mysterious circumstances in Baringo County has been found dead – his body clumsily buried in a thicket in the remote outskirts of Kabartonjo, in what police are now describing as a cold-blooded and calculated killing.
Kevin Kibichii Togoch, a familiar face in the bustling streets of Kabarnet, was reported missing on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Five days later, on Monday, April 21, 2025, his decomposing body was recovered, concealed in a dense valley bush after being lured to his death by a man posing as a client.
Baringo County Police Commander Julius Kiragu confirmed the grim discovery, calling it a brutal and targeted murder.
The arrest of a suspect in Eldoret, found riding the deceased’s stolen motorbike, provided a chilling breakthrough in the case.
Speaking to the press, Kiragu told reporters that the suspect confessed to killing the boda boda rider and led the police to the site in the thicket where the body was hidden.
“Tumeweza kufanya uchunguzi wetu, lead namna hio mbaka Eldoret tukaweza kushika yule mtu mwenye aliiba ile pikipiki. Kumshika tumekuja naye mbaka station na ameweza kutuambia, ameadmit kwamba aliua huyo mwenye pikipiki. So ametuongoza mbaka wenye msitu penye walienda kutupa hio mwili ya the rider,” Kiragu told reporters.
According to police, the person of interest called the deceased boda boda rider, Kevin Kibichii Togoch, under the guise of needing transport.
Unaware of the sinister plot ahead, Kevin responded to the call, believing it was just another ordinary ride.
Instead, police believe it was a well-orchestrated trap.
The betrayal was complete. The rider was ambushed, killed, and his motorcycle stolen – possibly part of a pattern of attacks targeting boda boda operators.
Authorities now believe the suspect may be a serial robber and killer, preying on unsuspecting riders under the cover of night.
The discovery has sent shockwaves through the Kabartonjo community, where Kevin was known for his quiet demeanour and dedication to his work.
Fellow riders gathered at the police station, demanding justice and greater protection from the increasing number of similar attacks.
Kevin’s body was retrieved from the thicket and transported to the Baringo County Referral Hospital mortuary, as detectives intensify investigations and search for any possible accomplices.
The chilling case adds to growing concerns over the safety of boda boda operators across Kenya – who often work late hours and in high-risk zones with little to no protection.
As the investigation continues, police say more arrests may follow.
For now, a family mourns the loss of a son, and a town grapples with the horror of a ride that ended in silence and death.
Martin Oduor
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