A police officer in Homa Bay County has been arrested after fatally shooting a woman during a chaotic night vigil held in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.
The victim, identified as Lucy Oketch, was killed by a stray bullet near the entrance of Homa Bay Police Station on Thursday night, as mourners marched through the town holding a candlelight vigil for the late ODM leader.
Crowd Turns Chaotic Near Police Station
According to Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koklem, the group had earlier walked peacefully through the streets before tensions flared when some individuals began throwing stones into the police station compound.
“In the process, an officer who was manning the OB desk fired a shot to repel the crowd as it charged toward the station,” Koklem said.
Lucy, who was reportedly walking home from the vigil, was struck by the bullet and rushed to the Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries.
Officer Arrested, Investigation Underway
Police confirmed that the officer responsible for the shooting was immediately disarmed and detained. He is currently being held at the same police station pending arraignment in court on Tuesday, October 21, 2025.
“We have taken swift action. The officer has been arrested and will face the law,” Commander Koklem added, noting that internal investigations are ongoing.
Public Outrage and Calls for Justice
The incident has sparked outrage among residents and ODM supporters, who have demanded justice for the slain woman. Local leaders have urged calm, calling for an independent probe by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to ensure accountability.
The vigil was part of nationwide mourning events following the death of Raila Odinga, who passed away in India on October 15, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest.
