From left, Suspect Melvin Bwani, Effenburg Khisa, and George Otieno. Police have arrested three more suspects in connection with last week’s disruption of a civil society forum at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, widening an investigation that has sparked outrage among religious leaders, rights groups and politicians.
The latest arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to five, according to Kenyan authorities, who say detectives are using CCTV footage and witness accounts to identify everyone involved in the incident. Investigators have also recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used during the attack.
The disturbance unfolded on Friday, June 12, when a group of men stormed the Anglican cathedral grounds during a post-budget discussion organised by civil society organisations. Participants said the men interrupted the meeting, intimidated attendees and stole personal belongings before fleeing the scene.
Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators appears to show the group entering the church compound in two separate waves. The first group arrived on motorcycles before being dispersed by police officers. Minutes later, another group returned on foot and forced its way into the meeting venue, bringing the forum to an abrupt end.
The National Police Service said officers responded after receiving reports of a disturbance and restored order at the scene. In a statement, police said investigations would be conducted “thoroughly, professionally, transparently and impartially” to ensure all those responsible are held accountable.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the attack, calling it “unfortunate and unacceptable”.
“We will take those people to court, and they will be held accountable,” he said during a church service in Nairobi on Sunday.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the National Council of Churches of Kenya and the Law Society of Kenya, both of which have demanded a full investigation and stronger protection for civic spaces.
Church leaders said places of worship should remain safe environments for dialogue and reflection, regardless of the issues under discussion.
Questions have also been raised about who organised the disruption and whether the attackers were acting on behalf of political interests. Some civil society groups have made allegations against senior government figures, but no evidence has been publicly presented to support those claims, and no officials have been charged.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation continues.
As detectives pursue more suspects, the attack has reignited concerns over rising incidents of politically linked violence and the shrinking space for public debate in Kenya.
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