GSU Officer Attached to ODM Governor Loses Gun During Raila's Burial

Published By The Statesman For The Statesman Digital
1 week ago

Investigations have commenced following the disappearance of a firearm that reportedly went missing on Sunday, October 19, at the burial ceremony of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, in Bondo, Siaya County.

The incident occurred at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds at around 4pm while a General Service Unit (GSU) police officer was manning the crowd.

While manning the crowd, the police constable attached to the VIP Protection Unit of the Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Barasa, realised that his Jericho pistol was missing from his holster.

Reports indicate that the pistol was allegedly snatched from the officer's holster while he was trying to cover up Governor Barasa from the rowdy attendees.

It is believed that the gun was stolen by a group of unidentified youths who took advantage of the event attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including President William Ruto.

Moments after the incident, the police immediately commenced investigations to retrieve the gun. Detectives in Siaya have since appealed to Kenyans who might have information that could lead to the retrieval of the pistol to report.

Yesterday's event saw Kenyans turn out in large numbers to pay their last respects to the former Prime Minister as he was laid to rest at his Opoda farm in Bondo.

His burial followed multiple events, including a body viewing in Nairobi and Kisumu and a state funeral in Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium. Besides the lost gun, these events were also marred by other controversies, including the succumbing of several Kenyans.

In Nairobi, at least three people passed away on Thursday, October 16, after police officers opened shot into a rowdy crowd inside Kasarani Stadium during the body viewing of Raila.

During the same incident, tens of Kenyans were left nursing critical injuries as others struggled to contain the effects of tear gas pelted at them by the police.

It all began after a group of people attempted to gain access to the restricted area where Odinga's casket had been placed ahead of the viewing.

Meanwhile, at his burial, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party leader was accorded 17 gun salutes in a symbolic military tribute in honour of the deceased.