Kisumu County — October 21, 2025:
Police in Muhoroni, Kisumu County, have launched a manhunt for a gang of eight suspects — five men and three women — who allegedly drugged a driver and made away with a matatu after posing as mourners returning from the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
According to a police report, the suspects hired the Nissan Hiace matatu, registration number KCT 176R, from Bondo and requested transport to Kericho County, claiming they were traveling back from Raila’s burial ceremony held over the weekend.
The vehicle, driven by Francis Ochieng Oduor, reportedly left Bondo at around 8:00 p.m. after the group agreed to pay KSh 8,000 for the trip.
Attack Along Awasi–Chemelil Road
Police say the group made a stop at Ahero for a short water break before continuing the journey. However, at around 10:00 p.m., when the vehicle reached the Awasi area, the situation took a violent turn.
“One of the women suddenly struck the driver on the head with a blunt object, rendering him unconscious. The suspects then took control of the vehicle,” reads part of the police report.
The driver was allegedly drugged with an unknown substance and later dumped along the Awasi–Chemelil Road, where he was found hours later by passersby who alerted police officers from Muhoroni Police Station.
Matatu, Cash, and Phone Stolen
The gang reportedly made away with the matatu, as well as the driver’s mobile phone, KSh 16,000 in cash, and other personal items.
Authorities have circulated the matatu’s registration number and description to police stations across Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Western regions as the hunt for the suspects intensifies.
Police Investigations Underway
Confirming the incident, police said that investigations are ongoing to establish the identities of the suspects and their possible connections to other robberies targeting public service vehicles.
“We are following crucial leads, including mobile data and CCTV footage along the route. The suspects are believed to have taken advantage of the confusion surrounding the recent state funeral to disguise their movements,” said an officer familiar with the probe.
The driver was treated at a local health facility and discharged in stable condition. Police have urged matatu operators to exercise caution when accepting late-night hires, especially from groups of unfamiliar passengers
The incident comes just days after the state funeral of the late Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County, which drew thousands of mourners from across the country. Authorities believe some criminal elements may have exploited the occasion to stage thefts and robberies under the guise of being mourn
