Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested four suspects accused of stealing a police firearm during the burial ceremony of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, held last Sunday.
According to reports, the stolen weapon belonged to a police officer who had been assigned to provide security for Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa at the funeral event.
The incident took place in Siaya County during the high-profile ceremony that attracted thousands of mourners and dignitaries from across the country.
The suspects were tracked down and apprehended by officers from the Kasagam Police Station in Kisumu on Saturday, October 25, following a tip-off from concerned members of the public.
Acting swiftly on the intelligence, DCI officers conducted a raid in the Mbeme area of Kisumu East, where they found the suspects hiding.
During the operation, the officers successfully recovered the stolen firearm, which was still loaded.
Authorities confirmed that the four suspects are now being held in custody at the Kasagam Police Station as investigations continue. They are expected to be arraigned in court once the necessary procedures are completed.
The officer whose weapon was stolen is attached to the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Ruaraka, Nairobi.
He explained that the firearm was snatched at around 4:30 p.m. near the gate of Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST), where the funeral took place.
The officer narrated that a group of rowdy youths had surrounded Governor Barasa’s vehicle as he was about to board. In the commotion, one of them swiftly grabbed his gun and disappeared into the crowd.
The large number of mourners and the chaotic nature of the event made it nearly impossible for the officers at the scene to immediately trace the suspects or recover the weapon.
Following the theft, detectives from the DCI launched an intensive investigation that extended beyond Siaya County into neighboring regions in an effort to locate those responsible.
After several days of tracking and gathering intelligence, the suspects were finally cornered in Kisumu East, bringing an end to the week-long search.
The incident occurred during a highly emotional and historic moment for the nation, as Kenyans gathered to bid farewell to the long-serving opposition leader and former prime minister.
Raila Odinga passed away on the morning of Wednesday, October 15, and was laid to rest on Sunday, October 19.
In honor of the late statesman’s contribution to the country, President William Ruto declared a seven-day national mourning period.
The state burial, held at JOOUST grounds, drew thousands of mourners, including top political leaders, diplomats, and citizens from all walks of life, who came together to pay their last respects to the fallen leader.
Security agencies have since commended the public for providing crucial information that led to the recovery of the firearm.
Investigators say further interrogations are underway to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger criminal network or if the theft was an isolated act of opportunity during the chaotic burial ceremony.
Police have assured the public that they will continue to intensify security operations in the region to prevent similar incidents in future high-profile events.
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