A Jericho pistol loaded with ammunition that was violently snatched from a bodyguard attached to Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has been recovered in Kisumu County, culminating a multi-day, intelligence-led operation. Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested four suspects in connection with the theft on Saturday, October 25, 2025, following a crucial tip-off from the public.

The firearm, a Jericho 941 pistol with serial number 40309458, was recovered from a house in the Mbeme area of Manyatta “B” slums in Kisumu East. The operation, conducted by officers from Kasagam Police Station, led to the arrest of four individuals. Upon interrogation, the suspects directed the officers to a hideout where the pistol, loaded with 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition, was found concealed in a kitchen ceiling. One round of the original 15 remains unaccounted for.

Details of the Theft

The incident occurred on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM EAT, amidst chaotic scenes during the funeral of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County. The officer, Police Constable Benson Kodia Olayo of the General Service Unit (GSU) VIP Protection Unit, was escorting Governor Barasa from the ceremony held at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST).

According to a police report filed at Bondo Police Station, as the governor's convoy was departing through the main gate, it was swarmed by a crowd of rowdy youths. In the ensuing commotion, an individual snatched the officer's holstered pistol and disappeared into the dense crowd, making immediate pursuit impossible. Constable Olayo reportedly sustained bruises during a struggle to retain his weapon.

Investigation and Recovery

Following the theft, the DCI launched an intensive investigation, with search operations spanning Siaya and neighbouring counties. The breakthrough came from a public tip-off that led plainclothes officers to the suspects' hideout in Kisumu. The four suspects are being held at Kasagam Police Station for interrogation and are expected to face charges including robbery and illegal possession of a firearm.

Implications for Kenyan Security

The theft of a firearm from a highly-trained GSU officer tasked with protecting a senior public official has raised serious concerns about VIP protection protocols, especially during large, politically-charged public events. The incident underscores the challenges security details face in managing crowd dynamics and the constant threat of opportunistic crime. Authorities have stated the event has prompted a review of security procedures for such gatherings.

This case also highlights the persistent danger of illegal firearms in Kenya. Stolen police weapons are frequently used to perpetrate violent crimes. In a separate case, a police pistol stolen in 2019 was later linked by ballistic analysis to 28 different robbery incidents across multiple counties before its recovery. The swift recovery of Governor Barasa's bodyguard's weapon is therefore a significant achievement, preventing its potential use in further criminal activities.

Conversely, the successful recovery, driven by a public tip-off, serves as a powerful example of the importance of community policing and cooperation. It demonstrates that intelligence from vigilant citizens is a critical tool for law enforcement in tracking criminal elements and recovering dangerous weapons. This success reinforces the value of initiatives aimed at building trust and communication between the police and the communities they serve.

The recovered Jericho pistol, manufactured by Israel Weapon Industries, is a standard issue sidearm for many police and military units globally, including in Israel and parts of Kenya's security apparatus. The suspects remain in custody as the DCI continues its investigations ahead of their arraignment.