EMBU, Kenya – A bodyguard attached to National Social Security Fund (NSSF) Chairman David Kariuki lost his firearm on Sunday, July 6, after a road accident involving the official vehicle he was in turned chaotic in Embu County.
The incident, which occurred along the Meru-Embu Road at Kapingazi Bridge, is now under investigation by detectives who are racing to recover the missing pistol.
Authorities said Kariuki’s vehicle was part of a convoy trailing President William Ruto’s motorcade when it crashed into another car before veering off the road and plunging into a river.
The accident left one female pillion passenger dead and a motorcycle rider seriously injured.
The NSSF chairman, his driver, and the bodyguard sustained minor injuries and were rushed to hospital.
However, police say the bodyguard later realized his Barreta pistol loaded with 15 rounds was missing.
After being rescued from the wreckage and while waiting for medical attention, he reportedly tried to return to the scene to recover the weapon but was attacked and chased away by an angry mob that had gathered around the crash site.
The same mob later set the official car ablaze, further complicating the search for the missing firearm.
Police officers were deployed to the area and managed to disperse the crowd and restore order along the busy highway.
The Embu Level Four Hospital later discharged the injured bodyguard after treatment.
A police search operation is ongoing, with officials expressing concern that the firearm could fall into the wrong hands and be used for criminal activity.
This comes amid rising incidents of firearm losses linked to violent protests and accidents, including one reported in Narok where a police officer lost a Jericho pistol magazine loaded with 15 bullets during the recent Saba Saba demonstrations.
Security agencies have warned that such losses pose a major public safety risk and are urging the public to report any information that could help recover the weapons.
Police say road crashes remain a growing concern across the country, with up to five fatalities reported daily, most involving pedestrians and motorcycle riders.
Ongoing road safety campaigns are targeting reckless driving, poor road conditions, and speeding to curb the rising toll.
