Much-awaited DNA tests expected next week

Kenya: The DNA results to unravel the mystery behind the body that is being claimed by families of Meshack Yebei and that of Yusuf Hussein, will be known by Wednesday next week.

The DNA samples from members of two families at the centre of controversy over a body that was retrieved from river Yala a fortnight ago, were collected by government detectives for testing to establish the truth.

Mr John Kariuki, the head of Serious Crime Prevention Unit who is leading the investigation team, said samples from both families have been taken for tests and that results will conclusively give identity of whether the body was that of Yebei or Hussein who is said to have disappeared on Christmas day.

“We were expected to release official results on the tests today (Friday) but it has not been possible due to the nature of the tests at the Government Chemist. We will therefore have the results mid next week,” said Kariuki.

The controversy surrounding the body of the alleged ICC witness arose after another family from Chepsonoi in Nandi County claimed it belongs to that of their kin Hussein from Sirwa Posta in Nandi County.

Detectives said on Wednesday that finger prints analysis matched identity of Hussein in database at the National Registration Bureau in Nairobi but stated that the DNA tests will come up with a 100 per cent definite result.

According to Hussein’s family,  they were informed of his death by CID officers who visited their home and asked them to go and view the body at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital morgue. The family said they positively identified it to be that of their kin. And as the results are being awaited, members of both families maintain that the remains belong to their kin.