Four suspects arrested as detectives recover firearm stolen from GSU officer during Raila’s funeral

Detectives have recovered a firearm stolen from a General Service Unit (GSU) officer on October 19, during former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s funeral in Bondo, Siaya County.

Police said the Jericho pistol, which went missing during the chaotic funeral at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, was recovered in Kisumu’s Mbeme area following an intelligence-led operation.

Four suspects were arrested on Saturday afternoon in connection with the theft and are being held for interrogation at Kasagam Police Station. The recovery was made after detectives received a tip-off from members of the public about individuals suspected to be armed and hiding in the area.

“The suspects were apprehended at a hideout in Mbeme after an intelligence report indicated they were in possession of the stolen firearm. Officers managed to recover the loaded pistol during the raid,” read a police report.

According to the initial report filed at Bondo Police Station under OB 47/19/10/2025, the weapon was stolen from Police Constable Benson Kodia Olayo, a GSU officer based at the Ruaraka headquarters and attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa’s security detail.

Olayo reported that the incident occurred at around 4:30 p.m. while escorting Governor Barasa from the funeral venue. As they reached the main gate, a group of rowdy youth surrounded the convoy, creating commotion.

“It was reported by No. 102661 PC Benson Kodia Olayo, a GSU officer based at GSU Headquarters, Ruaraka, and currently attached to the VIP Protection of the Kakamega Governor, that while boarding the Governor’s official vehicle Reg. No. 37CG 086A, rowdy youth who had gathered around the Governor snatched his firearm,” reads part of the report.

The stolen firearm, a Jericho pistol with serial number 40309458, was loaded with 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition at the time. Police said immediate efforts to pursue the suspect were hampered by the massive crowd at the venue.

Several other people also reported losing their belongings during the funeral, as pickpockets and impostors posing as mourners took advantage of the commotion. Security personnel were later reinforced to control the situation after some attendees turned unruly.

Witnesses said a section of mourners who were locked out of the main event at the university became chaotic, forcing their way into Opoda Farm where the burial was taking place, briefly disrupting proceedings under the guise of observing cultural practices.

Following the theft, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo launched a multi-agency manhunt that extended to Siaya and neighbouring counties.

The suspects, who were later traced to Kisumu, are expected to be charged with robbery and illegal possession of a firearm.

The incident has reignited scrutiny over VIP protection procedures during major public events that attract large crowds and high-profile dignitaries.

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