.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Kenya, 20 October 2025 - A General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to the VIP protection detail of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa reportedly lost his firearm during the burial ceremony of the late Raila Amolo Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds in Bondo on Sunday evening.
According to a police report filed at Bondo Police Station under reference OB 47/19/10/2025 at 1700hrs, the officer, PC Benson Kodia Olayo, said that at around 4:30 p.m., a group of rowdy mourners surrounded the governor’s convoy as it exited the venue.
In the chaos, an unidentified youth allegedly snatched his Jericho pistol, serial number 40309458, which was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, from its holster before disappearing into the crowd. Police efforts to trace the suspect and recover the stolen firearm proved futile due to the size and commotion of the gathering, which drew thousands of mourners.
The matter has since been handed over to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Bondo for further investigation. The incident has raised fresh concerns over security management at large public gatherings, especially following the massive turnout at Raila Odinga’s funeral, which has seen heightened emotional and logistical challenges across Siaya County. Authorities say efforts are ongoing to recover the weapon and identify the individual responsible.
