Detectives in Bondo, Siaya County, have launched investigations into the disappearance of a government-issued pistol, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, that went missing during the funeral of the former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday.
The firearm, a Jericho pistol, belonged to Police Constable Benson Kodia, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to the VIP Protection Unit of the Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa.
According to an incident report filed at Bondo Sub-County Police Station, the weapon was lost at approximately 4:30pm. Mr Kodia, accompanied by four other officers, had escorted the Governor to the funeral venue at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology.
As they were departing through the university’s main gate to board the Governor’s official vehicle, a group of unruly youths converged around the convoy. In the commotion, one of the youths reportedly snatched the firearm from the officer’s waist and disappeared into the crowd.
Bondo Sub-County Police Commander Robert Aboki confirmed the incident, saying the officer was escorting the Governor to his official car when he lost the firearm.
“It occurred after the service had concluded. As the officer accompanied the Governor back to the vehicle, a crowd of rowdy youth swarmed the car. Amid the chaos, someone seized the pistol and vanished into the huge crowd,” said the Commander.
Mr Aboki further said search for the weapon was ongoing and that law enforcers were confident of recovering it.
“We urge members of the public who may have any information to come forward and assist the police,” he appealed.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo has since taken over the case and initiated investigation to recover the missing firearm.
Authorities have described the incident as a serious breach of security and indicated that it has prompted a review of VIP protection protocols, particularly during high-profile public gatherings.
Apart from the stolen firearm, the funeral service, attended by a massive crowd, was marred by several reports of phone theft and petty crime.
“There were many people who lost their belongings. Pickpockets and petty thieves took advantage of the gathering to steal from mourners,” said Anita Otieno, a mourner who attended the service.
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