Panic as Armed Goons Attempt to Raid Linda Mwananchi Church Service

Panic seized worshippers in the St. Stephen’s ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on Sunday, July 12, following reports that some alleged armed goons tried to disrupt a church fellowship gathering where Siaya Governor James Orengo, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and other political leaders of the Linda Mwananchi movement were expected to attend.

This comes when the opposition leaders were meeting with worshippers as part of their church services and fellowship gathering before their planned political activities in Kisumu.

Witnesses reported moments of confusion as the suspected attackers arrived near the church compound, prompting worshippers and residents to mobilize to protect those attending the service.

Police officers were also present at the scene as tensions briefly escalated before calm was restored.

There was no official report from the National Police Service about the attempted raid or arrest at the time of writing this article.

Orengo, Sifuna and other opposition leaders have been travelling to different parts of the country, saying that they aim to uphold constitutionalism, bring down the cost of living, safeguard devolution, seek government accountability and mobilise people towards the 2027 General Election.

Linda Mwananchi Leaders Condemn Attempted Disruption

Siaya Governor James Orengo condemned the incident, accusing the government of targeting worshippers during a church service.

“What kind of madness is this! A government attacking Christians in church. They come with the police but the people protected us. We are LINDA MWANANCHI!” Orengo said.

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During the church gathering, church leaders led by Bishop Charles Ochieng’ Ong’injo said that the initiative seeks to reconnect with citizens across the country by engaging communities in churches and public forums while advocating accountability, respect for the Constitution and protection of civil liberties.

They also called on Kenyans to reject political intimidation and violence.

Babu Owino Reacts

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino also addressed the incident, alleging that those who attempted to disrupt the service faced resistance from members of the public.

“Goons who were sent to attack Orengo and Sifuna have learnt their lessons the hard way. This is the consequence of their actions. Their motorbikes have been burnt to ashes. We will continue defending ourselves if the police can’t defend us. The consequences are better imagined than experienced,” Babu Owino wrote.

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Calls for Investigations

The incident ignited reactions online, with several supporters accusing unnamed state actors of orchestrating the attempted disruption.

Facebook user Captain Lennox Omondi claimed the attackers had been mobilized to interfere with the church gathering.

“It is foolish for the Government to mobilize GOONS to come and attack James Orengo and Edwin W. Sifuna at St. Stephen ACK Kisumu. The use of goons with an intention to create a Chinese wall for Linda Mwananchi not to reach the people will not intimidate us. Tuko church kujeni na hizo mishale. To CS and PS Interior here is enough evidence to charge your goons in court. We know them by names and how you channel money to them. One dead send condolences to his family!” he wrote.

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Edwin Sifuna and Babu Owino at a Linda Mwananchi rally
PHOTO/Standard