Police in Siaya have launched investigations into a bizarre incident in which a General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa lost his firearm during the funeral service of ODM leader Raila Odinga in Bondo on Sunday, October 19.
According to an official police report, the officer’s Jericho pistol, serial number 40309458, loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, was snatched in broad daylight amid a chaotic scene outside the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).
The officer was in the company of four colleagues escorting Governor Barasa out of the venue when a crowd of rowdy youths surrounded the governor’s motorcade near the university’s main gate.
“When they were leaving the funeral ceremony of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at JOOUST, while boarding the Governor’s official vehicle Reg. No. 37CG 086A, rowdy youths who had gathered around the Governor snatched his firearm make Jericho, serial number 40309458, loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition from its holster and ran away,” read the police report in part.
Despite attempts by the officers to chase the suspects through the dense crowd, their efforts were unsuccessful. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers based in Bondo have since taken over the case and are pursuing leads to recover the missing weapon and identify the culprits.
The shocking incident occurred during one of the country’s most heavily guarded events — the funeral of Raila Odinga — which drew thousands of mourners, including high-ranking government officials, political leaders, and foreign dignitaries.
President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Governors Simba Arati (Kisii), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), and several Cabinet Secretaries were among the dignitaries present.
Following the funeral service, Raila’s body was transported to Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where he was laid to rest in a private ceremony attended by his immediate family — Mama Ida Odinga, Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.
The former Prime Minister was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, symbolic emblems of his enduring political journey and legacy.
Meanwhile, the missing firearm case has sparked concern over security lapses at the high-profile event. Police sources have described the situation as “deeply worrying,” given that the pistol remains unaccounted for more than 48 hours after the incident.
Investigators are calling on members of the public with information about the weapon or the suspects to report to the nearest police station as the probe into the mysterious theft intensifies.
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