Yebei kin ‘sure’ body found in forest is his

The family of International Criminal Court witness, Meshack Yebei, has said it is convinced that an unclaimed body that has been at Moi Voi Hospital Mortuary since December 30 is that of their missing kin.

Speaking at the mortuary after seeing the body on Friday, the Rev Moses Kisorio said it has many features resembling those of his younger brother Yebei.

He spoke after detectives took samples from the body for DNA test. “We have identified Yebei through the physical features on the body. We are up to 92 per cent sure but we have to erase any doubts.”

He said the family would remain patient until the tests are completed. Fingerprints were also taken to be matched with those on his ID records in Nairobi.

Mr Yebei’s wife, Lilian, said she was convinced that the body collected from Tsavo National Park forest three days after his disappearance was that of her husband.

“I am sure it is him (Yebei). I saw the many features that I knew on the body,” she said.

Moi Voi Hospital Medical Superintendent Abel Mwenja said they allowed the family to examine the body before samples were extracted and place in two packages.

“A duplicate collection of samples has been taken for DNA testing. We expect the results in five to 10 days.”

Government and family pathologists, family members, officers from the Serious Crime Unit, a doctor from the hospital and a human rights activist from Haki Africa, were present when the samples were collected.

If the tests come out positive, the family said they will conduct a post-mortem to ascertain the cause of death.

A body found in River Yala in Nandi last December was identified as that of Yusuf Hussein. The Yebei family had laid claim to it.