A man falsely accused of killing his neighbour who has since resurfaced has opposed exhumation of a body believed to be of the victim until he is compensated for his losses.
Justus Makokha said his house and property at Nabisiongo village in Matayos Constituency, Busia County were torched by angry locals who linked him to alleged ‘murder’ of Steven Ogolla who had been missing for four months.
“I was linked to the death of my neighbour which led to the burning of my property, I have been vindicated after the man who I was accused of killing returned home safe,” said Makokha.
Ogolla resurfaced last week, almost two months after “his” burial at his home. His return left the entire village in shock as many knew he died and was buried.
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While Ogolla and his family members have appealed to the police to exhume the body, Makokha insists he must be compensated for the attack that left him and his family homeless.
Earlier, two people were arraigned at a Busia court in connection with the arson and were released on Sh200,000 bond.
“I would like to know how I will be compensated after losing everything. I fear that the matter could be forgotten immediately the body is exhumed leaving me with my family with nowhere to stay,” said Makokha.
When Ogolla left his home in early September, he did not notify any of his family members where he was going.
Having not seen him for a while, Ogolla’s family embarked on a search mission which landed them to a decomposing body found floating on River Suo. The body was believed to be that of Ogolla.
