All Saints attack: International Commission of Jurists demand action over goons’ network
By Faith Lagat, June 16, 2026The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya) has condemned the violent disruption of a public civic forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, describing it as an attack on constitutional freedoms and democratic participation.
In a statement issued on June 16, 2026, ICJ Kenya criticised the invasion of the forum organised by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Transparency International-Kenya (TI-Kenya), and the Institute for Social Accountability (TISA). The meeting had been convened to facilitate public dialogue on the 2026/27 National Budget presented on June 11, 2026.
“The attack was not merely an assault on those present; it constituted a direct attack on the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, public participation, and civic engagement,” the organisation stated.
The lawyers’ body said the incident reflects a growing trend in which organised groups disrupt public forums, intimidate human rights defenders, and interfere with legitimate civic activities.
Questions over organised gangs
ICJ Kenya said repeated incidents involving violent groups have raised concerns about the ability of state agencies to protect civic spaces and enforce the law.
According to the organisation, explanations that the attackers are simply “goons sponsored by political actors” are no longer sufficient.
The body pointed to the National Intelligence Service (NIS) and the National Police Service (NPS), saying both institutions have the constitutional mandate and resources to identify, investigate and facilitate prosecution of those behind such groups.
ICJ Kenya posed a series of questions regarding the recurring incidents, including who finances and mobilises the individuals involved and why organisers of such networks have not been identified and prosecuted despite repeated occurrences over the years.
The organisation warned that the continued operation of such groups undermines democratic governance, weakens public confidence in institutions and discourages citizens from participating in public affairs.
Growing calls for accountability
The statement comes amid wider concern over political violence and the use of organised groups to disrupt public events.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana recently called on intelligence agencies to identify potentially volatile regions and prevent political violence before it escalates. He urged security agencies to utilise modern technology, including facial recognition and other digital tools, to track perpetrators.
The Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) also condemned the All Saints Cathedral incident, describing the attack on a public forum held in a place of worship as an unacceptable act of political intolerance.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has acknowledged concerns over rising incidents of goonism and confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Police have already arrested two suspects in connection with the attack, while officers continue reviewing CCTV footage to identify additional individuals.
The incident has reignited debate over the protection of civic spaces, freedom of assembly and political tolerance as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election. ICJ Kenya has urged authorities to take decisive action against both perpetrators and those responsible for organising or financing acts of violence.