Violence Mars Orengo and Sifuna Visit to St Stephen ACK Cathedral in Kisumu

Violence broke out at St Stephen ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on Sunday, July 12, after a group of youths attempted to disrupt a fundraising event attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Witnesses reported that one faction of youths arrived armed with crude weapons, including bows and arrows, while another group already inside the church compound confronted them wielding rungus.

The clash quickly escalated into running battles, sending worshippers and nearby residents into panic as the two groups exchanged blows.

Governor Orengo and Senator Sifuna condemned the incident, accusing the government of using violence to interfere with a church function. Orengo said that the attack was orchestrated to intimidate the Linda Mwananchi movement, insisting the confrontation was not spontaneous.

“What happened today did not happen by accident. The boldness, the audacity and the level of organization behind the violence point to the hand of the state,” Orengo said.

The leaders, who were attending a fundraiser for the Kenya Anglican Men’s Association, alleged that the attackers operated with coordination suggesting involvement of certain political figures.

Despite the chaos outside, Orengo thanked the Anglican Church leadership for maintaining calm and praised worshippers for remaining steadfast as the situation unfolded.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the incident, and investigations into the cause and perpetrators of the violence are expected to follow.