By Kepher Otieno - Reporter
Kenya, 12 July 2026 - Police on Sunday foiled an attempted raid on a prayer venue in Kisumu after a group of suspected goons armed with crude weapons tried to disrupt a Service attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi Movement.
The confrontation unfolded midway through the service after the gathering had proceeded peacefully for more than an hour. Witnesses said the group assembled outside the cathedral shortly before the sermon ended, prompting heavily deployed police officers led by Kisumu Central Sub-County Police Commander Mr R. Ogechi to seal off the church compound and prevent them from forcing their way into the sanctuary.
The swift police response restored calm and enabled hundreds of worshippers to complete the service without further interruption, averting what church leaders said could have degenerated into violence inside a place of worship.
The incident immediately drew sharp condemnation from Orengo and Sifuna, who described it as a disturbing escalation of political intolerance and an assault on constitutional freedoms.
Orengo accused unnamed political actors of resorting to intimidation instead of engaging opponents through democratic means, warning that the growing culture of violence posed a threat to Kenya's democracy.
"We are witnessing attempts to silence divergent voices through intimidation and violence. Democracy thrives on tolerance, dialogue and respect for differing opinions. No Kenyan should be threatened for attending church or participating in lawful political activities," Orengo said.
He urged security agencies to move swiftly against those responsible, saying the rule of law must prevail regardless of the perpetrators' political connections.
Sifuna echoed the governor's concerns, insisting that churches must never become theatres of political confrontation.
"No one should be intimidated for exercising their constitutional rights. Those behind this attack must be identified and prosecuted irrespective of their political affiliation. Violence has no place in a democratic society," he said.
The attempted disruption also drew strong rebuke from the clergy.
Presiding Bishop Charles Onginjo condemned the attempted invasion, saying the church would not be intimidated by acts of political violence.
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"We respect the rule of law. No one should be gagged from worshipping anywhere. We condemn attempts to raid the church, which were repulsed by the police," Onginjo said.
He reminded political leaders that the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the freedom of worship, association and peaceful assembly, adding that citizens should be free to pray wherever they choose without fear of intimidation.
"Every Kenyan has the right to worship where they wish and to associate with any political outfit of their choice. The church is a sanctuary for all people and must remain above political conflict," he added.
Retired Anglican Bishop Emeritus Rev. Joseph Otieno Wasonga also condemned the incident, urging politicians and their supporters to respect the sanctity of places of worship.
"The church is God's house. It should unite people, not divide them. Political disagreements should never be allowed to invade places of worship," he said.
Sunday's confrontation comes against the backdrop of deepening political divisions within ODM, with Orengo and Sifuna emerging as leading voices of the Linda Mwananchi Movement amid disagreements over the party's cooperation with President William Ruto's administration.
The attempted disruption is likely to intensify debate over political intolerance as Kenya edges closer to the 2027 General Election. Analysts say attacks targeting political gatherings in churches risk undermining constitutional freedoms and inflaming an already polarised political environment.
For many worshippers who witnessed the tense standoff outside St Stephen's Cathedral, the incident underscored growing concerns that Kenya's political rivalry is increasingly spilling into spaces traditionally regarded as neutral sanctuaries for prayer, dialogue and national unity.
Police Foil Attempted Raid on Prayer Venue as Orengo and Sifuna Decry Political Intimidation
Orengo likens Kenya to Haiti, saying goons have taken control of the country.