A General Service Unit (GSU) officer attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandez Barasa was disarmed of his Jericho pistol, loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition, on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at approximately 4:00 PM EAT during 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 as the officer attempted to shield Governor Barasa from an unruly crowd.

Police have initiated investigations into the theft, which saw unidentified youths snatch the firearm from the officer's holster before disappearing into the massive crowd. Efforts to recover the weapon immediately proved futile due to the sheer size and rowdy nature of the attendees.

Historical and Political Context

The incident at Odinga's burial is not an isolated event but rather a stark reminder of the security challenges that often accompany large political and public gatherings in Kenya. Such events, especially those involving prominent figures, frequently draw immense crowds, making effective crowd control difficult for security agencies. The week-long national mourning period for Raila Odinga, who passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at the age of 80 while receiving treatment in India, was marked by several security-related issues.

Previous events during the mourning period saw chaos, stampedes, and even fatalities. On Thursday, October 16, 2025, at least three people died and scores were injured in Nairobi when police used live rounds and tear gas to disperse agitated mourners attempting to access a public viewing of Odinga's body at Kasarani Stadium. Another stampede at Nyayo National Stadium on Friday, October 17, 2025, during the state funeral service, resulted in two deaths and over 160 injuries, according to Doctors Without Borders.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

Firearm ownership in Kenya is strictly regulated under the Firearms Act, which mandates that no individual can possess a firearm or ammunition without a valid firearm certificate. The Firearms Licensing Board (FLB) is the government agency responsible for regulating, licensing, and controlling all aspects of firearms, including their manufacture, importation, sale, and possession.

To obtain a firearm certificate, applicants must undergo a rigorous vetting process, including a background check, a psychiatric evaluation from a government hospital, and a police clearance certificate. The theft of a service pistol from a law enforcement officer is a serious breach of security, as these weapons are intended for public protection and their misuse poses a significant threat.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

The police have appealed to the public for any information that could lead to the recovery of the stolen Jericho pistol. The incident has raised questions among security analysts regarding the adequacy of crowd control measures at high-profile events and the need for enhanced protection protocols for VIPs and their security details.

Evidence/Data

• **Date of Incident:** Sunday, October 19, 2025
• **Time of Incident:** Approximately 4:00 PM EAT
• **Location:** Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) grounds, Bondo, Siaya County
• **Stolen Item:** Jericho pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition
• **Fatalities during Odinga's mourning period (excluding this incident):** At least 5 (3 at Kasarani Stadium, 2 at Nyayo Stadium)
• **Injuries during Odinga's mourning period (excluding this incident):** Scores injured (tens at Kasarani, over 160 at Nyayo Stadium)

Risks and Implications

The theft of a loaded firearm presents a grave security risk, as the weapon could be used to commit crimes, further endangering public safety. Such incidents also undermine public confidence in the ability of security forces to maintain order, particularly during emotionally charged public gatherings. The recurrence of chaotic scenes and security breaches at events related to Odinga's mourning period highlights systemic flaws in crowd management and security deployment for large-scale public events.

Unknowns and Controversies

The identities of the individuals who snatched the pistol remain unknown. It is also unclear whether the theft was a spontaneous act by opportunistic individuals within the crowd or a pre-meditated action. Police investigations are ongoing to ascertain these details and recover the firearm.

Timeline and Next Steps

Police investigations into the theft commenced immediately after the incident on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Authorities are expected to intensify efforts to trace and recover the stolen pistol and apprehend those responsible. There may also be a review of security protocols for future high-profile public gatherings.

What to Watch

The public will be watching for updates on the police investigation and any arrests made in connection with the stolen firearm. Additionally, there will be keen interest in any policy changes or enhanced security measures implemented by the government to prevent similar incidents at future large public events. The broader implications for civilian firearm licensing and security force training may also come under scrutiny.