NAIROBI, Kenya- LSK’s Faith Odhiambo has condemned Sunday’s violent disruptions at churches in Kisumu and Nyandarua, describing the incidents as a dangerous pattern of organised political intimidation that threatens constitutional freedoms and democratic governance.
In a statement shared on Sunday, Odhiambo said violence has no place in places of worship and called for those behind the attacks to be identified and held accountable.
Condemns Attacks on Church Services
Odhiambo referenced the disruption of a church service in Kisumu, where Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Siaya Governor James Orengo were present, as well as a separate incident targeting Nyandarua Governor Kiarie Badilisha Kang’ata and other leaders associated with the Linda Mwananchi movement.
She said the recurrence of similar incidents pointed to an organised pattern of political intimidation.
“Violence has no place in a house of worship. Today’s goon attacks targeting leaders and worshippers at church in Kisumu where Edwin Sifuna and James Orengo were present, and on Governor Kiarie Kang’ata and other Linda Mwananchi leaders in Nyandarua reflect a disturbing pattern of organised political intimidation and are utterly unacceptable,” she said.
‘Churches Are Sanctuaries’
Odhiambo argued that churches should remain places of peace and worship rather than venues for political violence.
“Places of worship are sanctuaries, not battlegrounds for political thuggery or state-sponsored impunity,” she said.
Odhiambo added that attacks on churches undermine constitutional rights, including freedom of conscience and peaceful assembly.
She also condemned the use of violence, including bows, arrows, tear gas, and hired groups, during political confrontations in places of worship.
Calls for Accountability
Odhiambo urged security agencies to investigate those responsible and ensure accountability regardless of political affiliation.
“The masterminds behind these repeated assaults must be unmasked and permanently removed from positions of power and privilege, because accountability is the only antidote to the rising culture of goonism,” she said.
She further called on the police to act impartially by protecting worshippers and political leaders while enforcing the law without fear or favour.
Appeal for Constitutional Order
She expressed solidarity with leaders and worshippers affected by Sunday’s incidents, urging Kenyans to reject political violence and defend constitutional values.
“Kenya must choose constitutionalism over chaos, dialogue over violence and principled politics over hired goons, because if we allow attacks on churches to become routine, we have already surrendered the soul of our republic,” she said.
Her remarks come amid growing concern over incidents of political violence reported in different parts of the country, with security agencies conducting investigations into the latest disturbances.