Police trying to stop youths from storming the ACK St Stephen Cathedral church in Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joined Christians in prayers in Kisumu. Faith Matete
Tension outside the Ack St Stephen Cathedral church as police fire teargas./Faith Matete
Some of the torched motorcycles in Kisumu during a clash between two groups outside the Ack St Stephen Cathedral church./Faith Matete
Some of the torched motorcycles in Kisumu during a clash between two groups outside the ACK St Stephen Cathedral church./FAITH MATETE
The National Police Service (NPS) has confirmed that one person was killed, several others injured and nine motorcycles torched during violent clashes in Kisumu on Sunday, as eight suspects were arrested in a crackdown on the unrest.
In a statement, NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the violence erupted after a confrontation between two rival groups, prompting a swift police response.
"Preliminary investigations indicate that, in Kisumu City, a violent confrontation between two opposing groups resulted in the death of one person, several injuries, the torching of nine motorcycles and damage to a police vehicle. Following swift police intervention, eight suspects were arrested and placed in custody pending arraignment in court. Efforts to identify and apprehend other individuals involved are ongoing."
"The Service strongly condemns these acts of political intolerance, violence and goonism. Such incidents undermine public order, threaten national cohesion and violate citizens' constitutional rights to peacefully associate, assemble and participate in political activities," the statement said.
Nyaga said the eight suspects are in police custody awaiting arraignment, while investigations are continuing to identify and arrest other people linked to the violence.
The statement was issued hours after chaos erupted around ACK St Stephen's Cathedral in Kisumu during a church service attended by Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Rival groups engaged in running battles outside the church, forcing police to intervene.
The NPS warned that no individual is above the law, regardless of political affiliation, social status or public office.
"Anyone found engaging in violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful gatherings will be dealt with firmly and in accordance with the law," the police said.
The service appealed to members of the public with information that could assist investigators to report to the nearest police station or use its toll-free numbers and WhatsApp platform to submit information anonymously.
NPS also reaffirmed its commitment to conducting thorough, impartial and evidence-led investigations to ensure everyone responsible for the violence is brought to justice.
The statement also addressed a separate incident in Nyahururu, where police arrested six suspects after a group allegedly disrupted a political rally by throwing stones and injuring several people.
Police dismissed reports circulating on social media that someone had been shot during the Nyahururu incident, maintaining that no shooting occurred.
