The Kisumu County Security Committee has vowed to crack down on organized criminal gangs following Sunday’s deadly violence outside St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Milimani that left two people dead, one seriously injured and nine motorcycles torched.

Speaking during a joint press briefing on July 13, 2026, Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who co-chairs the County Security Committee, described the clashes as organized criminal conduct rather than isolated acts of indiscipline, warning that those responsible, including their financiers, would face the full force of the law.

“Two young men lost their lives as a result of that. Families have been plunged into mourning, and the city has once again been reminded that criminal violence carries consequences not only for its direct victims but for society as a whole,” Nyong’o said while reading the committee’s statement.

He said the committee had resolved to confront organized criminal activity decisively, noting that eight suspects arrested in connection with Sunday’s violence were expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.

According to the committee, detectives are also analysing digital evidence, including videos circulating on social media, to identify more suspects linked to the clashes.

The committee dismissed attempts to portray the violence as spontaneous unrest, insisting the confrontation bore all the hallmarks of coordinated criminal activity that would be investigated and prosecuted accordingly.

Nyong’o warned that individuals involved in violence, whether acting as members of criminal gangs or on behalf of political or commercial interests, would not find refuge in Kisumu.

“There will be no sanctuary in Kisumu County. Those responsible will be identified, arrested, prosecuted and held fully accountable under the law,” he said. 

The governor said the violence had not only claimed lives but also threatened the county’s economic prospects by discouraging investment, disrupting businesses and denying young people employment opportunities.

He cautioned politicians against recruiting and financing youths to engage in violence, saying criminal responsibility extends beyond those who wield weapons to those who organize, facilitate or sponsor such acts. 

“Political competition must never become a licence to sponsor violence or recruit young people into criminal networks. Anyone found financing, organising or facilitating acts of violence, directly or indirectly, will face the full consequences of the law,” he said.

The committee also commended the National Police Service for its response, saying officers deployed around St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral and the nearby St. Joseph’s Catholic Church acted swiftly to prevent further loss of life and widespread destruction.

Nyong’o said the intervention by security officers demonstrated the level of vigilance expected from the country’s security agencies and helped contain what could have escalated into a far deadlier confrontation.

He extended condolences to the families of the two men who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, saying the county government stood in solidarity with all those affected by the violence.

Security operations intensify countywide

County Commissioner Mohamed Ramadhan Mwabudzo said security agencies had intensified operations across Kisumu over the past two weeks, leading to the arrest of more than 200 suspects who have since been charged in various courts.

He said the operation would continue until criminal networks operating within the county are dismantled and urged residents to volunteer information on gang hideouts and crime hotspots.

“We are not going to tolerate the kind of political differences where young men are involved in settling scores, particularly among political leaders coming outside Kisumu County,” Mwabudzo said.

The county commissioner revealed that security officers had been deployed to the church as early as 8.30 am. following intelligence reports, a move he said helped avert a more catastrophic incident.

He said investigations had established that rival groups mobilised separately before converging near the church, with one faction reportedly assembling at Victoria Park before violence erupted.

Mwabudzo alleged that many of the youths involved had been mobilised without knowing the purpose of the assignment before being armed and dispatched to the scene.

“They were just mobilised and told to go. Money is not always enough. The leaders who are doing that, shame on you. It is wrong to use the youth of this town to settle scores,” he said.

He urged politicians and organisers of public events to notify security agencies in advance to enable police to provide adequate protection instead of hiring groups of youths as private security.

“We have enough security officers here to provide security for every function. Leaders should desist from hiring goons because we are ready to provide security for them,” he said.

Mwabudzo warned that investigators would pursue not only those who participated in the attacks but also those who convened, mobilised and financed the operation, regardless of where they were hiding.

“We will track you down. It doesn’t matter who you are,we’ll get you,” he warned.

Nyong’o also appealed to young people to reject violence, saying Kisumu’s future depends on education, innovation and productive work rather than criminal activity.

He said no society can attract investment, create jobs or guarantee prosperity where insecurity and lawlessness prevail, adding that restoring public confidence in security was essential to the county’s economic ambitions.

“We must create a secure environment because people do not invest where they are not sure of the future of their investment,” Nyong’o said.