Outrage After Kisumu Church Chaos: Rights Groups Demand Arrest of 'Goons' Who Disrupted Service Attended by Orengo and Sifuna

Human rights defenders, religious leaders and peace advocates have strongly condemned the violent disruption of a church service in Kisumu County attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, calling for the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Western Kenya Human Rights Watch has challenged Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to take decisive action against what it described as a growing culture of political intolerance and the use of hired gangs to disrupt peaceful gatherings.

Speaking to Vision News on Sunday, the organization's official, Job Bwonya, termed the incident at ACK St. Stephen's Cathedral in the Milimani area of Kisumu as an attack on the constitutional rights of Kenyans to worship and assemble peacefully.

"We are asking the Inspector General of Police to expedite the arrest of all armed individuals who attempted to disrupt the church service. Those who financed and organized the violence should also be identified and held accountable," Bwonya said.

He argued that all institutions have a responsibility to uphold constitutional freedoms, adding that leaders must demonstrate respect for the rule of law regardless of political affiliation.

Bwonya warned that the country is witnessing an alarming rise in politically instigated violence targeting churches and other peaceful public gatherings.

He said the incident involving Governor Orengo and Senator Sifuna, both associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement, should serve as a wake-up call to security agencies.

"Such acts of political intolerance risk dragging the country back to the dark days of the 2007/2008 post-election violence if those behind them continue to act with impunity," he warned.

The rights defender also questioned why perpetrators behind the disruption of a recent budget accountability forum at Nairobi's All Saints Cathedral have yet to be publicly identified or prosecuted.

He condemned what he described as the increasing invasion of places of worship by violent groups, warning that failure to protect churches threatens Kenya's democratic freedoms and freedom of worship.

Gretter Victory Fellowship Kenya Bishop Emmanuel Barasa Simiyu echoed the concerns, saying churches must remain sacred places free from political violence.

"The increasing tolerance of political gangs is exactly the type of tribal and political intolerance that contributed to the 2007/2008 crisis," the bishop said.

Drawing parallels with Kenya's security mission in Haiti, Bishop Simiyu noted that Kenyan police officers are helping restore order in a country overrun by armed gangs, saying similar determination should be applied in addressing political violence at home.

Describing the events at the Kisumu church as "Kenya's Day of Shame," he urged politicians across the political divide to refrain from inciting division.

"We do not have another country. If Kenya becomes unstable, even politicians will have nowhere to practice their politics," he said.

The bishop further appealed to President William Ruto, in his capacity as Chairperson of the National Security Council, to take firm action against political actors sponsoring violence.

"Kenya has demonstrated leadership internationally through the UN-backed Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. The same commitment should now be directed towards ending political goonism and restoring peace within our own borders," he added.

Peace mediator Davis Wafula also condemned the disruption, urging the President to move swiftly against the rising trend of hired political gangs.

Wafula warned that unless firm action is taken, Kenya risks deeper political divisions ahead of future elections.

He recalled the tragic events of the 2007/2008 post-election violence, including the Kiambaa church tragedy near Eldoret where dozens of people lost their lives after seeking refuge inside a church.

"That painful history should remain a permanent reminder of the cost of political intolerance. Places of worship must never become battlefields," Wafula said.

Despite the violence, the peace mediator commended police officers for responding quickly and restoring order before the situation deteriorated further.

According to reports from a local media station in Kisumu, one person sustained serious injuries during the chaos.

The incident has renewed calls from civil society groups, religious leaders and peace advocates for authorities to strengthen security around places of worship and ensure those responsible for politically motivated violence are brought to justice, regardless of their status or political affiliation.