By James Okoth
25/10/2025.
In a nation still mourning the death of its most iconic statesman, the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga, one act of lawlessness had threatened to stain Kenya’s image and expose the soft underbelly of its security system. But a daring and disciplined operation by Kasagam-based police officers turned what could have been a national embarrassment into a moment of redemption for law enforcement.
On the morning of October 25, 2025, officers from Kasagam Police Station acting on credible intelligence launched a high-stakes raid in Manyatta “B” Slums, Mbeme area, Kisumu East Sub-County in an operation that would soon uncover the pistol that went missing from Governor Fernandes Barasa’s bodyguard during Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo just six days earlier.
The stolen firearm, a Jericho pistol serial number 40309458, loaded with 14 rounds, belonged to Police Constable Benson Kodiah Olayo, a GSU officer attached to the VIP protection detail of the Kakamega Governor. Its disappearance during one of the most heavily guarded funerals in Kenya’s history sent shockwaves across the nation and raised uncomfortable questions about the state of security preparedness.
For nearly a week, the stolen gun symbolized a potential breach of state security, with implications reaching far beyond the boundaries of Kisumu. But even before the dust of speculation settled, the Kasagam crime unit was already quietly working on intelligence leads.
At precisely 13:30 hours, guided by a reliable tip-off, the OC Crime Kasagam led an undercover team into the narrow alleys of Manyatta “B.” The officers raided a rented house belonging to 19-year-old Timothy Odhiambo, who was in the company of three others: David Beckham Odhiambo (20), Tony Blair Omondi (16) and Harun Ibrahim (17), all described by police as dangerous young criminals.
The initial search yielded nothing. But after tense interrogation, Odhiambo broke down and led officers to his mother’s house, barely 400 metres away. The house was locked, but police gained entry by cutting through the padlock.
Inside the kitchen ceiling, the breakthrough came. The missing pistol, intact and loaded, neatly hidden away in a makeshift compartment was found.
As police retrieved the weapon, the suspect’s mother, Lilian Atieno Nyabende, resurfaced at the scene. She was arrested to assist in ongoing investigations, as forensic officers from the Kisumu Scenes of Crime Unit moved into document and process the recovery site.
Within hours, the stolen pistol that had caused national outrage was secured, recorded under OB No. 15/25/10/2025, and verified against the records of Bondo Police Station OB No. 47/19/10/2025.
The recovery was not just a police victory; it was a salvaging of national dignity.
In an era where public confidence in security institutions often wavers, the Kasagam team demonstrated the power of community intelligence, swift coordination and fearless execution. Their success neutralized what could have spiraled into an international security scandal in which a state-issued firearm, stolen during a former Prime Minister’s funeral was potentially circulating in criminal hands.
Their action reminded the nation that policing still works when courage meets commitment. It also underscored the critical role of public cooperation, as the tip-off came from vigilant locals unwilling to shelter crime.
As the suspects await arraignment and the DCI Kisumu East digs deeper into the gang’s network, the broader question remains: how did a weapon disappear under the noses of elite officers in Bondo?
That question will define Kenya’s next conversation on VIP protection protocols, event security management and intelligence coordination during high-profile gatherings.
Still, for now, Kenya can breathe a little easier because in the crowded backstreets of Mbeme, a small team of determined officers refused to let the country’s image crumble.
In saving one gun, Kasagam Police saved Kenya from a national shame.
