A funeral ceremony in Kisumu East Sub-County turned violent early Friday, July 25 when a group of robbers attacked mourners in the Daraja Mbili area of Manyatta B Slums Estate.
The incident, reported under Occurrence Book (OB) number 21/25/07/2025, occurred at around 8:00 am and left mourners traumatized, though no lives were lost.
The distress call was placed by one of the mourners, Everline Rangala, via a mobile phone call.
According to her account, the mourners had gathered at the homestead of the late Susan Achieng Otieno when armed robbers pounced, disrupting funeral rituals. The attackers reportedly aimed to steal personal belongings from the grieving crowd.
Acting swiftly, officers from Kasagam Police Station, who were conducting foot patrols nearby under the direction of the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS), responded within minutes. With the support of brave community members, the police managed to apprehend three male suspects during the operation.
The arrested individuals have been identified as: Raphael Akello, alias Apolo, aged 55, Milton Kasera, aged 55, and Wilton Otunga, aged 30.
Other assailants reportedly fled the scene and are currently being pursued by law enforcement. A blue TVS motorcycle bearing registration number KMFK 840L, believed to have been used by the suspects during the robbery, was recovered at the site and secured as evidence.
Several victims sustained minor injuries during the attack and were rushed to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH). They received medical attention and were later discharged in stable condition.
Police have since launched a wider investigation and are following up on leads to apprehend remaining suspects. Authorities have urged members of the public to cooperate by providing any useful information that may aid in arresting those still at large.
The incident has sparked concern among locals over rising insecurity during social gatherings. However, police have assured the public that patrols will be intensified to safeguard such events.
