Investigations launched after bodyguard loses gun at Raila’s burial
Police in Bondo, Siaya County, have launched investigations into the theft of a government-issued firearm that went missing during the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
The firearm, a GSU officer’s rifle loaded with 15 bullets, was stolen in the middle of the funeral procession attended by thousands of mourners.
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According to Bondo Sub-County Police Commander Robert Aboki, the firearm was stolen while the bodyguard was escorting the governor’s vehicle shortly after the ceremony had ended. The officer is said to have been surrounded by a group of agitated youth who managed to snatch the weapon before disappearing into the crowd.
Aboki confirms firearm theft and ongoing search
“Ni kweli bunduki hiyo ilipotea, tulikua kwa uwanja kwa mazishi, tunaendelea kuitafuta na niko na uhakika tutaipata. Wakati tumemaliza function kwa uwanja, wakati waheshimiwa walikua wanatoka, hapo ndio hao vijana waliweza kusukuma one of the bodyguards na wakaweza kuchukua ile bunduki,” said Commander Aboki.
Police reports indicate that the officer was caught off guard during the commotion as leaders were exiting the venue. In the confusion, an unknown individual snatched the pistol and fled, making recovery efforts difficult due to the dense crowd.
The individual snatched the pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition. Police say the situation quickly turned chaotic as officers attempted to restore order.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo has since taken over the case and is pursuing leads to trace the missing firearm. Detectives have already begun recording statements from witnesses and doing everything they can to identify the suspect. “Tunaendelea kuitafuta na niko na uhakika tutaipata,” Aboki said.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Bondo have since taken over the case. Efforts are underway to trace and recover the missing firearm.
Bondo police commander Robert Aboki maintained that the search for the firearm is still ongoing and expressed confidence that it will be recovered. Investigations continue into how the weapon disappeared and the people involved in the theft.
