A Kisumu magistrate's court on Monday released eight individuals detained following a violent altercation at the ACK Cathedral in Kisumu on July 12, 2026.
The disturbance erupted during a church service attended by the Linda Mwananchi team when two groups clashed, resulting in the suspects' arrest.
Magistrate Vee Agutu ordered the unconditional release of the accused after the prosecution failed to present formal charges against them. The ruling also barred the prosecution from filing any further charges related to the incident and directed that the case file be closed.
The defendants had been held in custody for ten days, represented by a legal team including Senior Counsel James Orengo, Faith Odhiambo, and Babu Owino. Orengo criticized the prosecution for what he described as attempts to delay justice by bringing unsubstantiated charges. He further alleged that the case was being used as a political tool by state actors.
Despite these allegations, Orengo commended the court for upholding justice by ordering the suspects' release.
