A police officer has been taken into custody following the fatal shooting of a woman during a night vigil held in honour of the late Raila Odinga in Homa Bay town. The tragic incident occurred on Friday night, casting a somber mood over the ongoing nationwide mourning for the former Prime Minister.
According to local police authorities, the shooting happened shortly before 9 p.m. when a group of residents gathered near the police station compound for the vigil. The first group passed peacefully, but tension reportedly rose during a second visit by the crowd. Officers on duty attempted to disperse the gathering after some individuals were seen throwing stones and ignoring police commands to maintain order.
During the chaos, officers fired several warning shots into the air to control the situation. However, a stray bullet fatally struck a woman who was walking home after attending to her personal business. She was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment but was pronounced dead in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police officials described the shooting as accidental, emphasizing that it occurred amid efforts to maintain peace during an emotionally charged event. The officer believed to have fired the fatal shot was immediately disarmed and placed under arrest as investigations into the circumstances of the shooting began.
Authorities confirmed that the officer is being held in custody to ensure his safety as detectives carry out a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. The investigation aims to establish whether there was any breach of police protocol or misuse of firearms during the operation.
The incident underscores the growing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies during large public gatherings, especially amid heightened emotions following Raila Odinga’s passing. Across the Nyanza region and the country at large, thousands of mourners have been participating in candlelight vigils, processions, and memorial services to pay tribute to the veteran opposition leader.
Raila Odinga, widely regarded as one of Kenya’s most influential political figures, dedicated his life to the fight for democracy, justice, and good governance. His death has triggered an outpouring of grief, with both supporters and political leaders calling for peace and unity as the nation continues to honour his enduring legacy.
