NAIROBI, Kenya — The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has strongly condemned an attack on All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi, where suspected goons disrupted a post-budget review forum attended by civil society organisations, demanding that those responsible be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
In a statement issued after Friday’s incident, NCCK described the attack as a “blatant and despicable desecration” of a place of worship and called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to publicly reveal the individuals behind the disruption.
The violence erupted when a group of men reportedly forced their way into the cathedral compound, clashing with security personnel stationed at the entrance.
Witnesses said the attackers moved past the church sanctuary and proceeded to the conference section, where a post-budget dialogue organised by civil society groups was underway.
The group allegedly gained access to the second floor of the conference facility, where participants were meeting to discuss the recently unveiled national budget. Organisers reported that conference materials were destroyed and several attendees assaulted before police intervened.
Law enforcement officers later dispersed the attackers and arrested one suspect, who remains in custody as investigations continue.
NCCK questioned reports linking a government official to the disruption of the forum and demanded that any individual found to have sponsored or organised the attack face the full force of the law.
The church organisation stressed that the incident raised serious concerns about respect for constitutional freedoms, particularly the right to access information and participate in public affairs.
“The right of Kenyans to access information held by the State, as guaranteed under Article 35 of the Constitution, must be respected and protected,” NCCK said.
The attack has also drawn condemnation from the Defenders Coalition, which said the incident reflected a broader pattern of intimidation targeting civil society organisations, human rights defenders and institutions involved in governance and accountability work.
According to the coalition, such incidents appear increasingly coordinated and are intended to intimidate, harass and silence organisations carrying out legitimate civic activities.
The disruption comes at a time of heightened public debate over the government’s budget proposals and economic policies, with civil society groups actively engaging citizens on taxation, public spending and accountability.
Kenya’s Constitution guarantees freedoms of association, expression, assembly and access to information, rights that courts have consistently upheld as essential pillars of democratic governance.
While police have confirmed the arrest of one suspect, authorities have yet to provide detailed information on the identities of those involved or the motive behind the attack.
