Police in Bondo, Siaya County, have launched investigations after a firearm went missing during the state funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on Sunday, October 19.
According to a report filed at Bondo Police Station, the incident occurred at around 4:30 PM when Constable Benson Kodia Olayo, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to the VIP Protection Unit of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, lost his Ceska pistol amid a surge of mourners leaving the venue.
Officer Lost Gun Amid Rowdy Crowd
Police said Olayo was escorting Governor Barasa from the funeral ceremony held at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) when a group of rowdy youths surrounded the Governor’s vehicle near the main gate.
Amid the confusion, an unknown individual allegedly snatched the officer’s pistol, which was loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, before disappearing into the large crowd.
“The area was overwhelmed by thousands of mourners and onlookers, making immediate pursuit impossible,” the police report stated.
DCI Takes Over Investigation
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo has taken over the case to establish how the weapon went missing and track down the suspect.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public to remain calm and share any information that could help recover the firearm.
“Anyone with credible information is urged to report to the nearest police station or call the DCI hotline,” said a senior officer familiar with the investigation.
High-Level Security During State Funeral
Security was tight during Raila Odinga’s state funeral, which drew thousands of mourners, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and foreign dignitaries.
Despite heavy deployment of police and military officers, several security incidents were reported as crowds surged during and after the ceremony.
