The gig economy’s dark side was exposed this week when Anthony Olwal, a 34-year-old delivery rider and father of three, was brutally murdered while delivering what turned out to be a fraudulent iPhone order. His story has sent shockwaves through Nairobi’s working community and raised urgent questions about safety protocols for delivery personnel.
The Setup
It began like any ordinary Tuesday morning. Anthony received an order through WhatsApp for an iPhone 17 Pro Max. The client, claiming to be from Eldoret, requested delivery to his “brother Hillary” at Meridian Apartment in South B’s Sana Sana area. Like the dedicated worker he was known to be, Anthony carefully packaged the expensive device and set out around 10:30 AM, promising his wife he’d return home for lunch.
The Final Journey
CCTV footage from the apartment building tells a haunting story of Anthony’s last moments. At 11:49 AM, he’s seen entering the building, blue delivery bag in hand, focused on completing his task. He takes the elevator to the fourth floor, phone to his ear – likely trying to locate the recipient. This would be the last time he was seen alive.
What followed was a scene of calculated brutality. The footage shows three men behaving suspiciously after Anthony disappears from view. One emerges from the staircase clutching a bag, another descends rapidly, while a third appears partially unclothed, hurriedly carrying a package. Their panicked movements suggest a violent struggle had just occurred.
The Tragic Discovery
When Anthony failed to return home or answer calls, his family grew worried. His wife, Eunice Atieno, recounted their last conversation: “He said he’d call me back after finishing with the client. I never heard from him again.”
The truth was more horrifying than they could imagine. Anthony was found in the apartment with his hands tied, mouth gagged, and visible signs of torture. The iPhone was gone, and the “clients” had vanished.
The Investigation Unfolds
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have identified several persons of interest, including the mysterious woman who owned the short-stay apartment. The suspects fled in a Nissan Note, registration KDL 336E, which authorities are now tracking.
A Life Cut Short
Anthony wasn’t just a delivery rider – he was a beloved husband, father of three young children, and the sole breadwinner for his extended family. His brother, Isaiah Ochieng, fought back tears as he described Anthony: “He was the kindest person, always working hard to give his children a better future. To die like this is unimaginable.”
The Bigger Picture
This tragedy highlights the vulnerabilities faced by gig economy workers in Kenya. Delivery riders often handle valuable items with minimal security protection, making them targets for criminal elements. Anthony’s death has sparked calls for better safety measures, including verified customer identities and emergency protocols for riders.
As the hunt for Anthony’s killers continues, his story serves as a painful reminder of the human cost behind our convenient delivery services. His memory lives on through his three children, who will now grow up without their father’s guiding hand.
The public is urged to contact the DCI with any information that might lead to the arrest of those responsible for this senseless
