The Unsolved Mystery of Meshack Yebei: A Chilling ICC Witness Saga

 Meshack Yebei, once under the ICC Witness Protection Program, found himself at the heart of a chilling murder mystery. Initially selected as a prosecution witness in the case against Deputy President William Ruto, Yebei was later dropped by the ICC, citing interference with other witnesses and concerns about his reliability. Strangely, he was subsequently named a defense witness by one of Ruto’s lawyers, Paul Gicheru, further complicating his role in the case.

A Return Home with Fatal Consequences

In December 2014, Yebei returned to Kenya, likely homesick and eager to reunite with his family, especially with his wife expecting their child. On December 28, while at a hospital in Eldoret where his wife sought medical attention, Yebei stepped out to buy medication for their child. He never returned.

Three days later, a mutilated body was discovered in Nandi County. Yebei’s family initially identified it as his based on unique circumcision marks and birthmarks. However, another family claimed the body belonged to their missing relative. DNA and fingerprint tests eventually confirmed it was not Yebei’s body, leaving his family in limbo.

The Real Body Found

On March 4, 2015, another body was discovered in Tsavo National Park, far from Eldoret. DNA tests confirmed it was indeed Meshack Yebei. This raised a haunting question: how did a man who disappeared in Eldoret end up dead in Tsavo? The circumstances surrounding his death remain a mystery to this day.

A Legacy of Fear and Suspicion

The gruesome murder highlighted the dangers surrounding ICC witnesses in Kenya. It painted a vivid picture of the bloody and chaotic nature of the ICC cases, which involved intimidation, threats, and, in Yebei’s case, a shocking death. His killing brought a human face to the otherwise anonymous identities of ICC witnesses, making it clear how perilous their involvement could be.

The Kalenjin community pronounced a curse on Yebei’s killers, promising swift justice. Yet, years later, no one has been held accountable. While some interpret “swift” justice as being delayed by years, the lack of resolution leaves a dark cloud over Yebei’s legacy.

The murder of Meshack Yebei serves as a grim reminder of the perils tied to the ICC cases in Kenya. It underscores the need for accountability and protection for individuals involved in such high-stakes investigations.