A Kisumu court has ordered the immediate release of eight individuals accused of involvement in the violence that erupted at St Stephen’s ACK Cathedral on July 12, 2026. Senior Resident Magistrate Vallary Adhiambo ruled that there was insufficient evidence to justify their continued detention and subsequently closed the case.
The suspects were arrested following clashes during a Kenya Anglican Men Association (KAMA) service, which escalated into violence outside the cathedral. The confrontation resulted in two deaths, numerous injuries, and property damage, including motorcycles set ablaze.
Defense Challenges Detention
The defense team, led by Siaya Governor James Orengo, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, and former Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo, argued that the suspects were unlawfully held without substantial evidence linking them to the incident.
- Orengo criticized police for relying on political clothing as grounds for arrest, citing examples of suspects detained for wearing T-shirts with political slogans.
- Odhiambo highlighted that some detainees were arrested while attending church or going about daily activities, with no concrete evidence presented.
- Owino emphasized that holding the suspects without charges violated their constitutional rights to liberty and fair hearing.
Calls for Accountability
Governor Orengo urged security agencies to focus on apprehending the actual perpetrators behind the violence rather than pursuing innocent individuals. He also called on the Inspector General and the Principal Secretary for Interior to explain how such incidents occur under their oversight.
In her ruling, Magistrate Adhiambo acknowledged that investigations had been completed and that the prosecution no longer opposed the suspects’ release. She ordered their immediate freedom and dismissed the case.
The release was welcomed by the defense lawyers, who praised the judiciary’s independence and urged young activists not to be discouraged by challenges in the justice system.
