BONDO, Kenya – Five people have been arrested following a disturbance at the first-anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, with police recovering a machete, a sword and a knife.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) identified the suspects as Daniel Odhiambo, Gabriel Aloo, Felix Ochieng, Jerry Okello and Edwin Matongo.
The arrests followed a disruption at Migwena Cultural Grounds on Thursday, where sections of the crowd reportedly turned rowdy, prompting officers from Bondo Police Station to intervene and restore order.
In a statement issued on Friday, the DCI said officers moved swiftly to contain the situation before it escalated further.
“At the ceremony, a section of the crowd turned rowdy, prompting officers to move in swiftly and restore order before the situation could spiral out of control,” the agency said.
Police Recover Machete, Sword And Knife
The DCI said officers recovered a machete, a sword and a knife, among other weapons, when the suspects were arrested.
The recovered items have been detained as exhibits as investigations continue.
The five suspects remain in custody undergoing processing ahead of their expected arraignment in court. Their arrest does not amount to a determination of guilt.
DCI Issues Warning Over Public Gatherings
The investigations agency said it would continue working with other security agencies to safeguard public gatherings and respond to suspected criminal activity.
“The DCI remains steadfast in working with other security agencies in safeguarding public gatherings and ensuring that anyone suspected of criminal conduct is dealt with strictly in accordance with the law,” the agency said.
The arrests followed the disruption of the memorial event held to mark one year since the death of Raila Odinga, whose political career spanned decades and left a significant mark on Kenya’s public life.
