Human rights defenders have called for thorough investigations into the death of their Nakuru-based colleague Godfrey Onyango.
Onyango was a key figure in the sexual abuse cases against tea farm managers of two multinationals in Kericho and Bomet counties.
He was found dead in his house in Lanet, Nakuru on March 24. An autopsy conducted on March 27 cited suicide.
Onyango was the chairman of the Justice and Environment Foundation based in Nakuru.
"As we condole with the family, we call for an immediate thorough and credible investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) with the timely publication of the findings," the group said.
Government Pathologist Titus Ngulungu said Onyango died from asphyxiation, caused by a sliding noose neck compression.
However, the Defenders Coalition, an alliance of human rights defenders in Kenya, expressed reservations on Tuesday over the death.
"Onyango having expressed reluctance to be quoted in one of the investigative stories by a local daily in Kenya point to the threats he likely received that require consideration during the investigations," the group said.
The Defenders Coalition expressed concern over the safety of human rights defenders in the country over the last five years.
They cited the murder of 67-year-old environmentalist Joannah Stutchbury in July.
Stutchbury who was defending Kiambu Forest from encroachment by private developers was shot dead outside her home in Kiambu.
"In January 2022, environmentalist Elizabeth Ekaru was stabbed to death in Isiolo. In this matter, the case is ongoing in Meru Law Courts," the group said.
