On Friday, June 12, 2026, Kenya’s All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi became the site of a brutal, unprovoked attack during a public budget forum, leaving the nation in shock and demanding urgent accountability. The Anglican Church of Kenya’s most prominent cathedral was stormed by armed motorcyclists, who fired live ammunition, lobbed tear gas, and looted valuables from terrified congregants and attendees. The incident, which disrupted a high-profile civil society dialogue on Kenya’s 2026–2027 budget, has reignited national debates over political violence, state-sponsored intimidation, and the erosion of public safety.
A Violent Disruption of Democracy in Action
The public forum, organized by civil society groups—including the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Transparency International Kenya (TI-K), and the Institute for Social Accountability (ISA)—had gathered over 100 participants to scrutinize Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi’s newly presented budget. The event was intended to be a transparent, inclusive discussion on fiscal accountability, but instead, it devolved into chaos and bloodshed.
At approximately 10:30 AM, armed men on motorcycles—some wearing face masks and military-style gear—rushed the cathedral’s perimeter, overwhelming security personnel. Witnesses reported that the attackers fired indiscriminately, shattered windows with bullets, and torched vehicles parked outside. Tear gas canisters were hurled inside, forcing attendees to scramble for cover as panic spread.
One victim, who spoke to The Living Church (TLC), described the horror:
“We just saw people entering the hall and started harassing us. We couldn’t determine what was going on immediately, and before we could take refuge, we were attacked. They robbed us of phones, wallets, and cash—everything we had on us.”
The attack left multiple injuries, though exact numbers remain unclear. Phones, laptops, and cash were stolen, with some victims later receiving meager compensation—around $200—when they reported the incident to police. However, authorities allegedly pressured them to remain silent, a claim that has fueled further outrage.
A Pattern of Political Violence: “Goonism” in Kenya
This was not the first time Kenya’s sacred spaces had been targeted by armed thugs. Over the past year, the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) has faced multiple incidents of violence, often linked to political rivalries and “goonism”—a term used to describe state-backed gangs deployed to intimidate opponents.
Just five months prior, on January 25, 2026, the Witima ACK Church in Nyeri County was disrupted during a service attended by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Suspected goons stormed the venue, injuring congregants and creating mass panic. That incident, like the Nairobi attack, raised suspicions of political motivation, particularly given Gachagua’s rising influence in Kenyan politics.
The All Saints’ Cathedral attack appears to follow a similar script: premeditated, well-coordinated, and financially backed. A confidential source who participated in the operation later revealed to Citizen TV that the attackers were recruited the day before and instructed to disrupt a political event linked to Gachagua. However, at the last moment, the target was changed to the cathedral, suggesting dynamic political maneuvering.
Religious Leaders Demand Justice, Warn of State Complicity
The assault has unified Kenya’s religious leadership in condemnation, with Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the Anglican Church of Kenya leading the charge for accountability.
Speaking two days after the attack during a church service at All Saints’ Cathedral, Sapit denounced the violence in unmistakable terms, accusing both the perpetrators and those who enabled them of betraying Kenya’s democratic values.
“I want to condemn what happened at the Nairobi All Saints’ Cathedral with the strongest terms possible and demand the arrest of perpetrators. I want to tell the Inspector General of Police and the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to either arrest the goons or resign for failing to protect Kenyans against gangs.”
Sapit reiterated that CCTV footage from the cathedral clearly captured the attackers’ faces and motorcycle registration numbers, leaving no room for excuses. He challenged authorities to either act decisively or step down, warning that impunity would not be tolerated.
“The issue of hired goons intimidating law-abiding Kenyans should not be taken lightly. I demand to know: who owns these goons, and why?”
His words echoed those of other religious bodies, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), which publicly accused the attack of being “state-sponsored” and ordered by a government official.
In a scathing statement, the NCCK declared:
“This is a blatant and appalling disrespect of a sacred place of worship. The right of Kenyans to access information held by the state is guaranteed under Article 35 of the Constitution, and we remind all government officials that they will be held individually accountable—just as the Bible guarantees in Matthew 10:26.”
The council explicitly linked the violence to political interests, stating:
“There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known to the citizens of Kenya.”
The Inter-Religious Council of Kenya and the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims also condemned the attack, with the latter describing it as an “unacceptable display of political intolerance.” Both groups called for immediate action against the perpetrators and strengthened security at places of worship.
Government Response: Promises of Action, But Doubts Remain
Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, Kipchumba Murkomen, condemned the attack as “extremely unfortunate” and assured the public that elite police units would “exterminate” peace-threatening gangs in Nairobi.
Murkomen announced that:
– At least one suspect was arrested immediately upon police arrival.
– CCTV footage is being analyzed to identify all involved.
– Additional arrests have been made since the incident.
However, skepticism persists. Victims reported that when they filed police reports, they were given minimal compensation—$200 for stolen phones—and told to “keep quiet.” This raises questions about whether some officials are protecting the attackers or covering up political motives.
A Nation Divided: Who Benefits from This Violence?
The timing of the attack—just days after the 2026–2027 budget presentation—suggests a deliberate attempt to disrupt democratic processes. Civil society groups, which were legitimately exercising their right to public scrutiny, were targeted with extreme violence, raising fears of a broader pattern of repression.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, whose political opponents the attackers were allegedly meant to disrupt, has emerged as a key figure in this narrative. His rising influence—particularly in Nyeri and Nairobi—has made him a target for political rivals, some of whom may have orchestrated the attack to undermine his credibility.
The Road Ahead: Justice, Accountability, and Protection
As Kenya grapples with this shocking escalation of political violence, several critical questions remain unanswered:
- Who ordered the attack? Was it a rogue faction, a political party, or state actors?
- Why was the target changed from a political event to a church? Was the cathedral chosen for its symbolic value?
- Why were victims pressured to stay silent? Is there a pattern of impunity for those who attack civil society?
- How will the government ensure this never happens again? Will elite police units be deployed permanently to protect high-risk venues?
The All Saints’ Cathedral attack is more than just a criminal incident—it is a warning sign of deepening political instability. If left unchecked, such brutal intimidation tactics could undermine Kenya’s hard-won democratic gains.
Religious leaders, civil society, and ordinary Kenyans are united in their demand for justice. But real change will only come if those in power take decisive action—not just in arrests, but in dismantling the networks that profit from fear and violence.
As Archbishop Sapit warned:
“Kenya cannot afford to turn a blind eye to this. The goons must be stopped, and those who pull their strings must be exposed.”
The nation watches—and waits—for answers.
Security personnel and congregants flee as armed motorcyclists storm All Saints’ Cathedral during the June 12 attack. (Source: Independent Witness)
Damaged windows and debris at All Saints’ Cathedral following the violent intrusion. (Source: Kenya Police Force)
