8 people will be charged after 2 people were killed in an attack on a church in Kisumu
Security agencies in Kisumu have apprehended 200 youths and taken eight key suspects into custody following the deadly attack outside St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Milimani on Sunday, which resulted in two fatalities and several injuries.
The violence broke out when an armed group reportedly targeted members of the Linda Mwananchi political faction, including Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, and Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, as they were arriving for a church service. The confrontation resulted in damage to several vehicles and motorcycles.
During a joint media briefing on Monday, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o stated that the arrests were part of a continuing operation aimed at dismantling organized criminal groups responsible for the violence.
Two organized criminal youths were involved in a violent confrontation in a location within the city. Two young men tragically lost their lives as a result of that. Families are now engulfed in grief, and the city has been starkly reminded that criminal violence impacts not just its immediate victims but reverberates throughout society as a whole,” Nyong’o stated.
He stated that the 200 youths are undergoing screening to identify those associated with the violence, while eight suspects directly linked to the killings are scheduled to be arraigned in court on Monday.
Nyong’o, who co-chairs the County Security Committee, rejected the notion that the incident was merely an isolated act of indiscipline.
He stated, “The County Security Committee standing before you has determined that organized criminal activity will face the full force of the law.”
“We refuse to overlook these incidents as mere isolated acts of youthful misbehavior.” A coordinated act of criminal behavior occurred in Milimani, and authorities will thoroughly investigate and prosecute it as appropriate.
The governor cautioned that authorities would target not only those who executed the attack but also individuals believed to be financing or orchestrating the violence.
“To those who partake in violence, whether as members of criminal organizations or as individuals acting in the name of political or commercial interests, this message is clear.” There will be no refuge in Kisumu County. “Those responsible will be identified, arrested, prosecuted, and held fully accountable under the law,” he stated.
Nyong’o stated that investigators are gathering evidence, including digital content circulating on social media, to bolster further prosecutions.
Eight suspects arrested in connection with yesterday’s violence are set to be arraigned in court today. Investigations are ongoing, and evidence, including digital material shared on social media, is being gathered to facilitate additional prosecutions,” he stated.
Kisumu County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo stated that intelligence reports suggested the youths had been organized and armed prior to being sent to the church.
He warned politicians about the dangers of employing private gangs for security at public events, emphasizing that the responsibility for maintaining public safety lies solely with the National Police Service.
The County Security Committee stated that the operation will persist until all individuals accountable are held to justice and normalcy is completely reinstated.
