Kisumu: Robbers Posing as Raila Mourners Drug Driver, Steal Matatu

 

By Linda Kisia 

 Police have launched a manhunt for eight suspects who drugged a matatu driver and made off with his vehicle after posing as mourners returning from a funeral linked to ODM leader Raila Odinga.

According to authorities, the group — consisting of five men and three women — hired the matatu from Bondo on the night of Monday, October 20, claiming they were traveling to Kericho after attending a funeral.

The driver, identified as Francis Ochieng Oduor, agreed to transport the group for a fee of KSh 8,000. The journey began around 8:00 p.m., with a brief stop in Ahero, before they proceeded towards the Awasi-Chemelil Road.

It was there, at approximately 10:00 p.m., that the trip took a dangerous turn. One of the female passengers allegedly struck the driver on the head with a blunt object, after which the gang reportedly forced him to consume a drugged beverage. He was then dumped by the roadside, unconscious.

The assailants escaped with the Toyota Hiace matatu, registration number KCT 176R, along with the driver's mobile phone, KSh 16,000 in cash, and other personal belongings.

Mr. Oduor later regained consciousness and reported the incident at the Muhoroni Police Station. He is currently receiving medical attention and assisting police with investigations.

Kisumu County police have since intensified efforts to track down the suspects and recover the stolen vehicle. Officers are also cautioning matatu operators to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly when accepting passengers at night or from groups claiming to be mourners.

"This is a disturbing trend, and we urge drivers to be more cautious, especially when dealing with unfamiliar groups at odd hours," a police spokesperson said.