Kisumu County Woman Representative Ruth Odinga has condemned what she described as escalating political violence and organised criminal activity in the county, warning that the growing culture of goonism threatens democracy, public safety and the region’s economy.

Speaking on behalf of women leaders in Kisumu on July 13, 2026, a day after violence disrupted a church service at St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Milimani, Ruth said the attack marked a dangerous shift in political intolerance, with even places of worship no longer spared from violence.

The statement followed Sunday’s chaotic scenes in which suspected goons attempted to storm the church during Kenya Anglican Men’s Association (KAMA) celebrations attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. 

The incident left two people dead, several others injured, and 9 motorcycles torched after rival groups clashed outside the church compound.

Ruth said the attack had shattered the long-held tradition of churches serving as sanctuaries during periods of political tension.

“Traditionally, in moments of conflict, communities have sought refuge in places of worship. It has always been part of who we are. Yesterday, that sacred space was violated,” she said.

She claimed that the attackers openly carried bows, arrows, machetes, stones and other crude weapons as they marched through Kisumu’s streets, passing security installations, including the Nyanza Regional Police Headquarters, before reaching the church.

According to Ruth, the violence points to a well-organised and financed network of criminal gangs operating under political protection.

“As women leaders, we want to be honest about what we are witnessing. This is a well-organised, coordinated and financed criminal enterprise operating in the name of freedom of expression,” she said.

She questioned how armed groups could move freely through the city in broad daylight without being intercepted, arguing that the confidence displayed by the gangs suggested they enjoyed protection from influential individuals.

Ruth warned that continued political violence was no longer just a political issue but had evolved into a wider security, economic and social crisis affecting ordinary residents, particularly women, children and business owners.

She claimed that extortion by criminal gangs had become increasingly common, with politicians allegedly being forced to pay money before holding public meetings. 

She said the resulting insecurity was discouraging investment and forcing some businesses to relocate from Kisumu and, in some cases, even to neighbouring countries.

Political tolerance

The Woman Representative contrasted the current political climate with previous election periods, recalling that leaders from across the political divide had historically campaigned freely in the region without violence.

She noted that during the campaigns of ODM leader Raila Odinga, former presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta all visited Nyanza, addressed public rallies and departed peacefully despite political differences.

“We have never witnessed the level of political intolerance that we are witnessing today. Kenya is greater than any individual, and no political ambition should divide us beyond repair,” she said. 

Ruth also criticised what she termed contradictory messaging from some leaders who publicly call for peace while allegedly tolerating or supporting criminal gangs.

She questioned whether organised gangs had become the government’s alternative response to peaceful demonstrations, warning that failure by security agencies to prevent repeated attacks amounted to an abdication of their constitutional responsibility.

“When a government watches a pattern repeat itself county after county, rally after rally, and still fails to deploy the security it commands to prevent the next attack, Kenyans deserve to call it exactly what it is,” she said.

Drawing parallels with Kenya’s history of election-related violence, Ruth warned that unless authorities decisively addressed political intolerance and insecurity, the country risked entering the 2027 General Election under dangerous circumstances.

Curbing goonism

She acknowledged recent efforts by Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and County Commissioner Mohammed Ramadhan Mwabudzo, who earlier this month unveiled a six-point strategy aimed at curbing goonism. 

The measures include regulating political gatherings, strengthening community policing, tightening business licensing, cleaning up the public transport sector and requiring politicians to use authorised government security personnel during public events.

However, she said the measures had yet to produce tangible results.

“A solution announced is not a resolution enforced. Barely two weeks after that meeting, goons stormed a cathedral in broad daylight,” she said.

Ruth further questioned the police response, noting that the armed groups had allegedly walked past both the Nyanza Regional Police Headquarters and the County Commissioner’s offices before reaching the church, yet investigators later appealed to members of the public to help identify the suspects.

She concluded by calling for the protection of democratic freedoms and political tolerance, saying Kenya must safeguard the democratic gains championed over the years by ODM leader Raila Odinga.

“Our commitment remains to preserving and defending the democratic legacy that Raila Odinga devoted his life to building,” she said.