Fresh details have emerged following the unrest witnessed outside St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on Sunday, July 12, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna had joined other leaders and worshippers for a church service.
Photos and videos shared on social media after the incident showed several motorcycles destroyed by fire outside the church compound. According to claims circulating online, as many as eight motorcycles were burnt during the confrontation, although the exact number has not been independently verified.
Reports indicate that tension escalated after a group of individuals approached the church. Videos posted online appeared to show some members of the group carrying crude weapons, including arrows and catapults, as they moved toward the church premises.
Police officers who had been deployed at the scene were seen monitoring the situation before firing tear gas to disperse the crowd and prevent the confrontation from escalating further.
Following the disturbance, images captured the aftermath, showing burnt motorcycles reduced to twisted metal frames and charred debris near the church compound.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino later reacted to the incident through his social media platforms. He alleged that the individuals involved had been sent to target Governor James Orengo and Senator Edwin Sifuna during the church gathering. However, he did not provide evidence to support the allegation.
The legislator further claimed that some of those allegedly involved lost their motorcycles after they were set ablaze during the confrontation. He added that supporters would continue protecting themselves whenever they felt their security was under threat.
Authorities had not issued a detailed statement identifying those responsible for the violence or confirming the circumstances under which the motorcycles caught fire. Investigations are expected to establish the sequence of events and determine accountability for the incident.