NAIROBI, Kenya — Closed-circuit television footage has revealed how suspected hired goons violently invaded All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Friday morning, disrupting a public post-budget forum attended by religious leaders, lawyers, civil society representatives, and members of the public.
The meeting had been convened a day after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the 2026/27 national budget and was intended to provide a platform for citizens and stakeholders to discuss the budget’s implications on the economy and public welfare.
Footage reviewed after the incident shows the first group of attackers arriving at the cathedral grounds on motorcycles at approximately 9 a.m. The men allegedly attempted to force their way into the compound but were initially repelled by police officers stationed at the venue.
Witness accounts and CCTV recordings indicate that after failing to gain entry, some of the suspects moved towards nearby streets along Valley Road and Kenyatta Avenue, where panic spread among pedestrians. Several people were reportedly robbed during the chaos.
About 30 minutes later, the attackers returned, this time approaching the cathedral on foot. The footage shows the group successfully entering the church compound before proceeding to the hall where the budget discussion was underway.
Participants were forced to flee as the intruders disrupted the gathering.
CCTV cameras positioned on the second floor captured at least five suspected attackers confronting and robbing individuals attempting to escape to the upper levels of the building. One police officer is seen attempting to intervene, but appears unable to contain the situation as the incident escalates.
Outside the cathedral compound, gunshots were heard as security officers sought to disperse the attackers and regain control of the area.
Police reportedly arrested one suspect during the operation and took him to Kibra Police Station for questioning. However, authorities had not issued a detailed statement on the progress of investigations or indicated whether additional suspects had been apprehended by the time of publication.
The attack has triggered widespread condemnation from religious leaders, legal professionals, and human rights organisations, many of whom questioned how such an incident could occur in broad daylight at one of Nairobi’s most prominent places of worship.
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya described the disruption of the forum as an assault on democratic participation and civic engagement.
“The violent disruption of a peaceful public forum is unacceptable and undermines democratic engagement and dialogue,” the council said in a statement.
The Law Society of Kenya and Defenders Coalition separately condemned the incident and called for prompt investigations and prosecution of those responsible.
The groups warned that the use of organised gangs to intimidate citizens and disrupt lawful assemblies poses a serious threat to constitutional freedoms, freedom of expression, and the rule of law.
Authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive account of the attack or identify those behind the operation.
