Tragic Death of Erick Ouma Ombewa: Family Seeks Answers After 10-Day Search
The Editorial Staff
Jan 9, 2025
Margaret Ombewa (right) and her mother Rose Onyango Ombewa, carrying Erick’s portrait
The body of a Rongo University graduate who went missing on December 30 was found in a morgue in Siaya County after 10 days of searching by his family.
The family of 26-year-old Erick Ouma Ombewa from Kisumu County had been searching everywhere since his disappearance. On Wednesday evening, they discovered his body in the Bondo Sub-County Hospital mortuary.
Police explained that Erick's death was caused by a road accident, not murder. Gem Sub-County’s Deputy Director of Criminal Investigation, Godfrey June, said Erick was hit by a lorry on December 30 near Ndori in Siaya.
“A matatu driver found him injured and took him to Bondo Sub-County Hospital. Hospital reports showed he had head injuries and was bleeding from the mouth,” said Mr. June.
Erick’s mother, Rose Oliewo Ombewa, said they learned about his death after a relative heard of a body being found in River Yala. Although the body wasn't Erick’s, they later discovered his body had been at the mortuary for a week.
Mrs. Ombewa described Erick as social, hardworking, and disciplined. He had studied education, specializing in sciences, at Rongo University. His sister, Margaret, said Erick left home on December 30 to have a drink and called his mother at 4 pm to ask for Sh300, which she sent. However, he didn’t return home that night, and his phone was switched off.
On January 1, the phone was switched on, and when the family called, a bar attendant answered. The bar owner said Erick ordered two bottles of spirits but could only pay Sh200 via M-Pesa, so he left his phone as security. They said Erick had no arguments with anyone and left through the backdoor of the bar. That was the last time he was seen.
A pastor, Jeconia Awino, said Erick had been an active church member and youth leader at ACK Tieng're Church. After graduation, Erick worked as an intern teacher at Ramba High School in Siaya County.
Mrs. Ombewa said the family is still puzzled by his death and wants a post-mortem done to get answers.
