Missing for 12 years: Calls for justice as KVDA boss is buried

The family of former Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA) managing director Silvano Tubei has called for justice after his remains were found 12 years after he went missing.

On Friday, the family held a funeral for Tubei at Mogorwa Primary School in Tenges, Baringo Central.

Mr Tubei went missing on September 26, 2012 and his remains were discovered on December 31 last year by a farm worker who was clearing a thicket on the family’s 60-acre Chekurmum farm in Kapyemit village, Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Locals informed the area chief and security authorities of the discovery, leading to the exhumation of the bones and other remains on January 4 this year. The remains were found wrapped in a blanket in a shallow grave about 50 metres from his palatial home.

At the time he was reported missing, family sources said the 58-year-old had left his home at 10am on September 26 and was never seen again. A report of his disappearance was filed at the Kaptagat Police Station in 2012.

Tubei’s wife, Milka Kandie, had died in 2007 and he was living with a partner, Audia Rotich.

His son Kipkios Tubei eulogised his father as a man who had big dreams, was hardworking and a perfectionist, a virtue that made him excel.

He called for justice and for those behind his father’s murder to pay for their sins.

“We all know that this ceremony is unique because we will inter the remains that were recovered close to a year ago. We will talk of many things but we are here to celebrate the life of my father, who most of you know he was a hardworking person with big dreams, and that is why during his tenure as KVDA boss, he oversaw major outstanding projects in this country and that is why we want to honour his memory, the work he has done and his legacy,” said Kipkios.

“He managed to travel far and even went beyond the borders of this country and he also dreamt beyond these borders. I only pray for him to get justice for his murder.”

Read: Fresh probe after ‘body of missing KVDA boss’ is exhumed

Silvano’s older brother, Walter Tubei, spoke of the agony of searching for him for more than 12 years, a search that also came to a screeching halt in 2020, when an investigation launched in 2013 was closed for lack of evidence. At the time, two suspects had been linked to the parastatal boss’s disappearance.

“We are happy that we are finally giving him a befitting send-off,” said Mr Tubei.

“We know that two suspects have since been arrested in connection with the death and we appeal to the state to fast-track the probe to ensure that those responsible pay for the act. We will cooperate with the state to ensure that justice is dispensed.”

Julius Kandie, a relative, also eulogised Silvano as a sociable person who interacted well with everyone.

“Silvano was my in-law and a family friend. We have suffered while searching for him, wondering what could have happened to such an industrious man. We are relieved that we are bringing closure to this matter. We will be at peace when those behind his killing are brought to book,” he said.

James Cheptilis, a resident of Chekurmum village, said they had been in agony, searching for their missing neighbour for more than a decade.

“For four months since the deceased disappeared from his home, we mobilised locals and even learners as a search party and we would go to his expansive farm every day to look for him [but we did not find him]. When his remains were discovered in his farm, we suspected that maybe he was taken elsewhere and brought back to the compound because [the place where his remains were] retrieved is where we had combed unsuccessfully some years ago,” said Mr Cheptilis.

“We are now at peace that his remains were recovered… We want those involved [in his killing] to pay for their evil deeds,” he added.

Baringo Deputy Governor Felix Maiyo Tubei as a hardworking man who initiated several development projects that benefited not only the people of the North Rift region but the entire country.

“This is a very unique ceremony because we are interring the remains of an industrious and hardworking man. I thank the family for bringing his remains to be buried in his ancestral home. He initiated several projects, among them the Turkwel dam project. He was one of our biggest achievers,” said Eng Maiyo.

“We are saddened that he had to die in such circumstances, but we are happy that … his remains were finally recovered and given a befitting send-off.”

AM Live

AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.

BNX

Business Redefined

Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.

Comedies

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Documentaries

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Entertainment

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Full Episodes

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Gumzo La Sato

Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.

Health Diary

Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.

Letter To My Younger Self

Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.

Mazao Talks

Mazao looks at agriculture and agribusiness

Nation Reports

Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.

One Health Lens Podcast

Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens

Paradise Lost

Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.

Podcasts

Podcasts

Primetime

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Speaking of GEN Z

Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.

Sport On

Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.

Tech-over

The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.

Thamani

Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.

The Politalk podcast

This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.

The Trend

A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.

The trend podcast

The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA

The Wicked Edition

The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience

Trending

A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula

Twende

Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.

Unscripted

This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.

VIP Access

VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.

WADR

This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.

When death do us part

In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.

Your World

Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.