"We Will Not Be Intimidated" – Orengo Breaks Silence After Alleged Goons Storm Kisumu Church Service

Kisumu Governor James Orengo has declared that he remains "unshaken and unstoppable" following a dramatic incident in which alleged goons reportedly disrupted a church service he attended alongside Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna at St. Stephen's ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on Sunday.

In a strongly worded statement issued after the incident, Orengo condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a shameful act that targeted leaders and worshippers inside a place of worship.

"Today, together with Linda Mwananchi Co-Principal Senator Edwin Sifuna, we worshipped at St. Stephen ACK Cathedral, Kisumu, to pray for our nation. It is deeply shameful that goons were sent to attack us inside a house of God. But let it be known: we will not be intimidated," Orengo said.

The governor thanked God for protecting them during the chaotic incident and expressed gratitude to residents whom he said stood their ground to ensure their safety.

"I thank the Almighty God for His divine protection, and I am profoundly grateful to the brave wananchi who stood firm, shielded us, and ensured we left safe and in one piece," he added.

Orengo maintained that the alleged attack would not deter him or other opposition leaders from pursuing what he described as the people's cause.

"The sanctuary of the Lord cannot be defiled by cowardice. We remain focused on the people's cause," he stated.

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from political leaders and human rights groups, who have warned against rising political intolerance and violence targeting leaders during public and religious gatherings.

The disruption comes amid heightened political tensions in the country, with leaders from across the political divide calling for restraint and respect for places of worship. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has also condemned political violence, insisting that differences in opinion should never be resolved through intimidation or attacks.

Police had not immediately issued an official statement on the circumstances surrounding the alleged disruption at the time of publication, and investigations into the incident are expected to continue.