A church service in Kisumu was disrupted by violence on Sunday after two rival groups clashed outside ACK Cathedral, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), one group had allegedly attempted to force its way into the church compound while another confronted them, triggering a violent confrontation that quickly escalated.
Police said the unrest also resulted in the destruction of property, including the burning of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle before officers moved in to restore order.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said eight suspects were arrested following the incident and are being held pending their arraignment in court, while investigations continue to identify and apprehend other individuals believed to have participated in the violence.
“Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing,” said Nyaga.
Leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement, including Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, were attending the church service when the confrontation occurred.
Meanwhile, the police dismissed reports that gunfire had been reported during a separate political gathering in Nyahururu, where another Linda Mwananchi team led by Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata was holding a rally.
Governor Kang’ata had claimed that his bodyguard was shot after the meeting was disrupted, but the police said their investigations found no evidence of a shooting.
Instead, the NPS said a group of individuals threw stones at the gathering, causing minor injuries to several people.
One victim, identified as Joseph Gitau, sustained a chest injury but was treated and later discharged from hospital.
“In Nyahururu Town, a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by throwing stones, causing minor injuries to several members of the public, including one Joseph Gitau, who sustained a chest injury and was treated and discharged,” Nyaga said.
Police confirmed that six suspects linked to the Nyahururu disturbance had also been arrested and remain in custody awaiting court proceedings.
As investigations continue into both incidents, the National Police Service warned that it will not tolerate politically motivated violence or the use of criminal gangs to disrupt lawful activities.
“No person regardless of social status, political affiliation or public office is above the law,” it said .
The service further cautioned that “Anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law.”
Authorities say efforts to trace additional suspects are ongoing as they seek to prevent further violence and uphold public order.
