GSU Officer Attached To Governor Loses Firearm During Raila's Burial
Efforts by officers at the scene to recover the weapon were unsuccessful due to the large and unruly crowd.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
Authorities have launched investigations following the loss of a police firearm during the funeral ceremony of the late Raila Odinga at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Bondo, Siaya County.
According to a report filed on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at around 1630 hours, Police Constable Benson Kodia, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to the VIP Protection Unit of Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, reported that his loaded Jericho pistol was snatched by unknown youth from his holster while escorting the Governor from the venue.
Efforts by officers at the scene to recover the weapon were unsuccessful due to the large and unruly crowd.
Photo of two Jericho pistols. /THE ARKANSAS GUN GUY
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Bondo has taken over the case and launched a full-scale probe to trace the firearm and arrest the suspects.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with security agencies as investigations continue.
Reports suggest that the officer’s pistol was allegedly taken from his custody as he shielded Governor Barasa from a section of unruly attendees.
The firearm is believed to have been stolen by a group of unidentified youths who exploited the chaos during the high-profile event, which was attended by several dignitaries, including President William Ruto.
Thousands of mourners gathered at Opoda Farm in Bondo to bid farewell to the late former Prime Minister, whose burial marked the conclusion of a series of national ceremonies held in his honour — including public body viewings in Nairobi and Kisumu, and a state funeral at Nyayo Stadium.
Beyond the missing gun, the mourning period was marred by several incidents. In Nairobi, at least three people lost their lives on Thursday, October 16, after police allegedly opened fire on a rowdy crowd inside Kasarani Stadium during the public viewing.
Dozens more sustained serious injuries or suffered from tear gas exposure after clashes erupted when a group attempted to force entry into a restricted area where Raila Odinga’s casket had been placed.
At his final send-off in Bondo, the late Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was honoured with a 17-gun salute, a symbolic military tribute to his legacy and service to the nation.
