Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna have accused the State of orchestrating Sunday’s violence at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, where members of the Linda Mwananchi movement were confronted by armed youths while attending a church service.

Speaking after the incident on Sunday, July 12, 2026, Orengo claimed the attack was organised and backed by state actors, saying that there was evidence linking senior government officials and local leaders to the violence.

“We have evidence that what happened in Kisumu today was organised. The violence and the audacity with which it was carried out have the hand of the State in it,” Orengo said.

Targeting congregation

He further said that the perpetrators had targeted a church congregation, describing the incident as an attack on places of worship and democratic freedoms.

Orengo said that he is used to this kind of war and will not back down.

“I am used to this kind of war. Those who organise goons to attack a church do not deserve to lead this country. But this will come to an end,” he said.

The governor said the opposition coalition would issue a comprehensive statement on the incident during a planned media briefing in Nairobi.

Sifuna, who had attended the church service at Orengo’s invitation for a fundraiser organised by the Kenya Anglican Men Association, thanked Kisumu residents for ensuring members of the Linda Mwananchi team left the church safely.

The former ODM Secretary General linked the Kisumu incident to another attack against members of the Linda Mwananchi team in Nyahururu, saying the two incidents reflected a wider campaign of political intimidation.

He claimed the movement had unsettled powerful individuals within the government but maintained that violence would not deter its activities.

“These acts of violence are not going to stop us or intimidate us. We have seen these things before, and we shall continue with our mission,” Sifuna said.

Illegal use of crude weapons

He condemned the use of crude weapons by individuals who attempted to disrupt the church gathering, saying it was unacceptable for armed groups to target worshippers exercising their constitutional freedoms.

“Nobody can be proud of a country where people openly carry bows, arrows and pangas to attack a congregation in church. That is not the Kenya we want,” he said.

Sifuna also expressed concern over reports of violence in Nyahururu, saying he had spoken to Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, who informed him that one of his drivers had been shot.

The two leaders maintained that despite the attacks, the Linda Mwananchi movement would continue with its activities across the country.

The incident occurred after a group of armed youths gathered outside St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu while leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement attended a church service. Police later lobbed tear gas to disperse the crowd after tensions escalated.