Police investigations have revealed that Dismas Makilyo died from manual strangulation. Fredmark Chesang the Sipi Region Police spokesperson confirmed the developments following the second postmortem procedure on the deceased.
Makilyo’s body was found on September 30, 2024 in Chenwach cell inside Mt. Elgon National Park. Previous reports indicated that the incident occurred when Makilyo, a ranger attached to the Teryet Detachment, encountered Christopher Nabaya, a resident of Chenwach cell, who was found with timber inside the park.
According to Chesang, Nabaya resisted arrest, leading to a fierce confrontation that eventually led to the death of the duo by drowning and suffocation. However, during a press briefing by the family and Kapchetari clan members, Martin Mangusho, the family head and also an elder brother to the deceased dismissed the claims saying that “his brother was killed by fellow rangers then dumbed into the river to destroy evidence”.
The second postmortem report performed on the body by the police surgeon Dr. Lubanzi revealed that Makilyo died of “manual strangulation on the neck, he was beaten and strangled in the neck” he said.
Chesang further informed this publication that investigations are ongoing and they have two suspects (UWA rangers) in their custody. On October 15, 2024 the two suspects were before the Kapchorwa Chief Magistrates Court and were remanded till November 1, 2024 when they will again appear in court.
Chesang has appealed to the general public to forward any information in connection to the death of Makilyo to aid and fasten investigations and sent out a warning to whoever is planning to encroach on the protected land in Mt Elgon National Park.
