The heartbreaking incident happened late on Thursday, October 16, 2025, near the Homa Bay Police Station. Witnesses said mourners were singing and lighting candles when gunfire suddenly erupted.
Officer Arrested After Shooting
Confirming the incident, Sub-County Police Commander Jashon Polloh said one police officer had already been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting.
Heartbreak in Homa Bay: Police Officer in Custody After Fatal Shooting During Raila Vigil.Photo Courtesy Tuko News
“A woman was allegedly shot during the vigil in honour of the late Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga,” Polloh said. “The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has been notified and is handling the matter.”
“Some mourners reportedly started throwing stones at the police station,” he said. “An officer on duty opened fire, and unfortunately, a stray bullet hit a woman who was heading home.”
The victim was rushed to Homa Bay County Referral Hospital, but doctors could not save her life.
Witnesses Describe Horror
Terrified witnesses narrated chaotic scenes that followed. People screamed and ran in all directions as gunshots echoed through the night.
“We were only mourning Baba,” one mourner said tearfully. “We never expected bullets. People were crying and praying, not fighting.”
“Approximately 100 people were treated after sustaining injuries during the chaos at Kasarani,” Dr. Oluga confirmed. “We would like to request Kenyans to keep calm and maintain order. We are all mourning; we should maintain peace.”
He pleaded for restraint as the nation continued to grieve.
“Let us not be aggressive in our efforts,” Oluga added. “Yesterday, there was chaos at Kasarani, and people got injured. Please, we do not want people to get injured again.”
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s body in his coffin during his State Funeral on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the Nyayo National Stadium
