This archive report was first published on 19 December 2019.
Justice Odek's relatives force way into his rural home for a meeting ¶
On Thursday, December 19, 2019, relatives of the late Justice James Aggrey Otieno Odek forced their way into his rural home in Memba village, Rarieda, Siaya County, sparking a drama that left the caretaker and workers shaken.
The relatives had demanded that the caretaker open the main house for them to meet and plan Justice Odek's burial, but the caretaker had declined, citing instructions from Justice Odek's wife, Anne Achieng', to keep the house locked.
After a scuffle and a bitter exchange of words between the villagers and the workers, the relatives eventually forced their way into the house, which is located between two other houses belonging to Justice Odek's sons.
According to a worker who wished to remain anonymous, Justice Odek's widow had visited the home on Thursday and left after showing relatives the site for the burial next Friday.
"She led them to a spot at the family graveyard and asked them to prepare it," the worker said.
Watchman Samuel On'gera, who has worked at the home for two years, said Justice Odek had visited the home last Thursday after inspecting a project in Bondo. He drove to the village alone in his official Toyota Prado and stayed for about an hour before leaving.
However, one of the workers said that Justice Odek did not share a meal with them as was customary.
Justice Odek's death was confirmed on Monday, and police investigation into his death have so far recorded statements from both the night and day security guards on his last movements.
Dr Vincent Makokha, Nyanza Regional Police Commander, said they also took the judge's phones for analysis.
Operations at the Court of Appeal in Kisumu have been halted in honour of Justice Odek, who oversaw a three-judge bench.
Matter postponed as a result of the judge's death include a land dispute involving former President Daniel arap Moi, who had been ordered to pay a widow Sh1 billion for grabbing her property, and the Kibos Sugar and Allied Ministries pollution case.
