Editor's Review

A police officer attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Sunday lost his gun during the funeral service of ODM leader Raila Odinga in Siaya County.

A General Service Unit (GSU) police officer attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa on Sunday, October 19, lost his gun during the funeral service of ODM leader Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.

According to a police report, the incident occurred at around 4:30 PM at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

The officer who was in the company of four other police officers was escorting Governor Barasa out of JOOUST through the main gate when a group of rowdy youths surrounded the governor’s motorcade.

During the chaos, the officer’s firearm, which was loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, was snatched.

“When they were leaving the funeral ceremony of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) at the main gate, while boarding the Governor’s official vehicle Reg. No. 37CG 086A, rowdy youth who had gathered around the Governor snatched his firearm make Jericho, serial number 40309458, loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm from its holster and ran away from the scene,” read the police report in part.

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File image of ODM leader Raila Odinga's casket. 

The officer and his counterparts tried to recover the gun, but their efforts were fruitless because of the huge crowd.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Bondo have since launched investigations to recover the stolen firearm.

Raila’s funeral service in Siaya was attended by thousands of mourners from across the country who came to pay their last respects.

Government officials led by President William Ruto, political figures, and foreign dignitaries attended the service.

Following the conclusion of the service, Raila’s body was loaded onto a hearse and moved to the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi, where he was laid to rest.

The former Prime Minister was buried with his trademark hat and fly whisk, iconic items that had come to define his image throughout his political journey.

The private burial ceremony was attended by Raila’s immediate family, including his wife, Mama Ida Odinga, and children Rosemary Odinga, Raila Odinga Jr., and Winnie Odinga.

President Ruto, Uhuru Kenyatta, Kisii Governor Simba Arati, and Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga were also present.