Some of the weapons recovered from the suspects/DCIPolice have arrested five suspects in connection with a disturbance during the first-anniversary commemoration of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County.
The suspects were arrested following violence at Migwena Cultural Grounds on Thursday, October 15, where a section of the crowd turned rowdy during the memorial gathering.
In a statement on Friday, October 16, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said police officers from Bondo Police Station intervened to restore order and prevent the situation from escalating.
“Officers moved in swiftly and restored order before the situation could spiral out of control,” the DCI said.
The officers recovered a machete, a sword and a knife, among other weapons, following the arrests.
The suspects remain in custody as police process them ahead of their arraignment in court. The recovered items have also been detained as exhibits.
The DCI said it would continue working with other security agencies to safeguard public gatherings and ensure that suspected criminal conduct is handled in accordance with the law.
The arrests follow a commemoration that brought together members of the Odinga family, government representatives and opposition leaders to honour Raila, who died on October 15, 2025, aged 80.
Among those who attended the gathering were Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, People's Liberation Party leader Martha Karua and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
The memorial was the culmination of a three-day programme held from October 13 to October 15, 2026, to celebrate Raila's life and reflect on his contribution to Kenya's political and democratic journey.
The programme included an intergenerational dialogue in Kisumu, an international candle-lighting ceremony at Kang’o ka Jaramogi and the main memorial gathering in Bondo.
The anniversary marked a year since the death of the veteran opposition leader, whose decades in public service shaped Kenya's political landscape.
