One person was killed, another seriously injured, and nine motorcycles torched after rival groups clashed outside St Stephen’s ACK Church in Milimani, Kisumu, on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

The violence erupted as Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement attended a church service.

According to a police report on Sunday, July 12, 2026, officers responded to reports that armed groups had assembled outside the church’s main gate, while another group had gathered at the nearby Victoria Park.

The report states that police officers from Kisumu Central Sub-county, led by the Sub-County Police Commander (SCPC) and the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer (SCCIO), were dispatched to the scene after members of the public raised the alarm.

How the violence started

According to the police report, a group of goons armed with pangas and rungus confronted another armed group that had allegedly attempted to forcefully enter the church compound.

“A violent confrontation ensued, during which nine motorcycles were set ablaze and the windscreen of motor vehicle registration number GKB 776Y, officially assigned to the RCIO Nyanza, was damaged,” the police report read.

The report says the confrontation left an unidentified man with fatal stab wounds, while Vincent Odhiambo, 23, a resident of Nyalenda, sustained serious head injuries.

Both were rushed to Nightingale Hospital, where the unidentified man was pronounced dead while receiving treatment.

“The deceased’s body, which had sustained stab wounds to the chest, was preserved at Nightingale Hospital Mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination, while the injured victim is in stable condition and continues to receive treatment,” the report read.

Police secured the scene as Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers from Kisumu Central documented the area and collected evidence expected to aid investigations.

Detectives have since launched a probe to establish the circumstances that led to the deadly confrontation and identify any additional suspects. The report further indicated that officers recovered several weapons allegedly found in possession of the suspects, including pangas, clubs and a knife. Eight suspects were arrested at the scene and are being processed for appropriate charges.

NPS condemns the incident

In a statement issued Sunday evening, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned what it described as acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism, saying such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully assemble and participate in political activities.

The service said preliminary investigations confirmed that one person died, several others sustained injuries and nine motorcycles were burnt during the confrontation.

It added that eight suspects had been arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment, while efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved in the violence were ongoing.

NPS also appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigators to report to the nearest police station or use its toll-free reporting channels, reiterating that no individual, regardless of political affiliation or social status, is above the law.

“The National Police Service remains committed to conducting a thorough, impartial and evidence-led investigation to ensure that all perpetrators are brought to justice,” the statement said.