SIAYA; Detectives in Bondo Sub-County, Siaya County, are investigating the theft of a government-issued Jericho pistol, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition.

The firearm was snatched from a police officer during the funeral of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga on Sunday.

The missing weapon belonged to Police Constable Benson Kodia, a GSU officer attached to the Kakamega Governor’s VIP Protection Unit.

According to a police incident report recorded at Bondo Sub-County Police Station, the incident occurred at approximately 4:30 PM (1630hrs). PC Kodia was escorting the Governor to the official vehicle (Reg. No. 37CG 086A) at the main gate of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) after the ceremony.

Bondo Sub-County Police Commander Robert Aboki confirmed the theft, stating that the officer was overwhelmed when “rowdy youth swarmed the car.”

A suspect exploited the resulting chaos to snatch the firearm from the officer’s waist and flee into the dense crowd.

“The search is on and in due course we shall eventually get the firearm,” said Aboki, appealing to the public for any information.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo has taken over the case. Officials acknowledge this serious breach has prompted a review of VIP security protocols during large public gatherings.

Petty Theft Amid Chaos

The chaos extended beyond the gun theft, with numerous reports of pickpocketing. “There are many people who lost their property, there were pickpockets as well as petty thieves who stole from the mourners,” noted Anita Otieno, who attended the service.