One person was killed and another seriously injured on Sunday after violent clashes erupted outside St. Stephen ACK Church in Milimani, Kisumu, where Siaya Governor James Orengo and other leaders affiliated with the Linda Mwananchi movement had gathered for a church service.
Nine motorcycles were burnt in the chaos, police said.
According to police, members of the public alerted authorities at about 4:50 p.m. that two armed groups had assembled outside the church’s main gate and at the nearby Victoria Park.
Police officers from Kisumu Central Sub-County responded and established that the church service was attended by Governor Orengo alongside other Linda Mwananchi leaders.
Investigators said a group of armed men, suspected to be supporters of the Linda Mwananchi movement and wielding pangas and clubs, confronted another armed group that had allegedly attempted to force its way into the church compound. The confrontation quickly turned violent.
During the chaos, nine motorcycles were torched and the windscreen of a police vehicle assigned to the Regional Criminal Investigations Officer (RCIO) Nyanza, was damaged.
An unidentified man sustained fatal stab wounds to the chest and was rushed to Nightingale Hospital, where he was pronounced dead while undergoing treatment.
Another victim suffered serious head injuries and remains admitted to hospital in stable condition.
Police arrested eight suspects who were allegedly found armed with pangas, clubs and a knife.
The suspects are being processed for various charges.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the scene, while the deceased’s body was moved to the Nightingale Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the deadly confrontation and identify any other individuals involved.
The National Police Service (NPS) later condemned separate incidents of political violence that erupted on Sunday in Kisumu City and Nyahururu Town.
Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga described the incidents as acts of political intolerance and goonism that undermine public order, national cohesion and citizens’ constitutional rights to peacefully assemble and participate in political activities.
Authorities said efforts are underway to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the violence.
In a separate incident in Nyahururu Town, police said a group of individuals attempted to disrupt a political rally by pelting stones at attendees, causing minor injuries to several members of the public.
One of the injured, sustained a chest injury but was treated and discharged from hospital.
The NPS dismissed claims circulating on social media that there had been a shooting during the incident, maintaining that no gunfire was reported.
Locals said rubber bullets were used.
Six suspects were arrested in connection with the Nyahururu disturbance and are also being held pending their arraignment.
The Service warned that it would take firm action against anyone found engaging in political violence, sponsoring criminal gangs, inciting supporters or disrupting lawful public gatherings, regardless of their political affiliation or social status.
Police appealed to members of the public with information that could assist the investigations to report to the nearest police station, assuring Kenyans that investigations into both incidents would be thorough, impartial and evidence-led to ensure all those responsible are brought to justice.
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