Investigations have commenced following the mysterious disappearance of a firearm during the burial ceremony of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, on Sunday, October 19.
According to police reports, the incident occurred at around 4 p.m. at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, where thousands of mourners had gathered to pay their final respects to the veteran opposition leader.
The firearm, a Jericho pistol, was reported missing from the holster of a General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to the VIP Protection Unit of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
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While manning the crowd, the officer is said to have noticed the weapon missing after being caught in a commotion while shielding Governor Barasa from a rowdy section of mourners.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the pistol may have been snatched by unidentified youths who took advantage of the confusion at the highly attended event, which was also graced by President William Ruto and other top government officials.
Security agencies immediately launched investigations into the incident. Detectives in Siaya County have since appealed to members of the public with any information on the missing firearm to report to the nearest police station.
A senior officer involved in the probe confirmed that efforts are underway to track the weapon, citing the seriousness of a state-issued firearm falling into the wrong hands.
“We have deployed officers to follow up on all leads that could help recover the pistol. We are treating the matter as a top priority,” said one investigator familiar with the case.
The disappearance of the gun adds to a series of chaotic scenes and controversies that have marred Raila Odinga’s funeral events over the past week.
Thousands of mourners turned up at his Opoda farm in Bondo to witness his burial, following days of national mourning, a public viewing in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
Earlier, in Nairobi, at least three people lost their lives on Thursday, October 16, after police opened fire during a chaotic moment at Kasarani Stadium, where Raila’s body was being viewed.
The crowd had attempted to gain unauthorized access to the restricted area holding the casket. Several others were left with serious injuries after being hit by bullets or tear gas canisters as police tried to contain the situation.
Despite the tension surrounding the events, Raila’s burial proceeded with full state honors.
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was accorded 17 gun salutes, marking his distinguished service to the nation and his decades-long role in Kenya’s democratic struggle.
As investigations continue, the disappearance of the officer’s firearm has raised security concerns over crowd control and VIP protection during major state functions.
Authorities have assured the public that all efforts are being made to ensure the weapon’s swift recovery.