The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino appeared alongside Siaya Governor James Orengo at the Kisumu Law Courts to defend eight supporters connected to the Linda Mwananchi movement following the July 12 clashes near an Anglican Church of Kenya service in Kisumu.
The two politicians said they were representing individuals affiliated with the movement who had been detained in connection with the disorder that broke out during a church service attended by both Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.
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In a statement, Babu Owino asserted that the eight accused had been wrongly arrested while attempting to shield Linda Mwananchi members during the service, describing their court appearance as an effort to defend loyal supporters caught up in a case he characterized as unjust.
Orengo echoed this defense, insisting the accused were innocent and had done nothing more than accompany him and Sifuna into a place of worship. He called for the charges against them to be withdrawn entirely.
The case traces back to violence that broke out on July 12 outside ACK St Stephen’s Cathedral in Kisumu, where opposing factions clashed during a service attended by opposition figures. The confrontation left one person dead, caused several injuries, resulted in nine motorcycles being burned, and damaged a police vehicle, according to the National Police Service.
NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga said the clash erupted between two rival groups, prompting immediate police intervention. Eight suspects were subsequently arrested and held in custody ahead of their court appearance, with police noting that investigations remain ongoing to track down additional individuals connected to the violence.
The National Police Service condemned the incident as an act of political intolerance and lawlessness, warning that such behavior threatens public order, national unity, and citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly and political participation.
The service further cautioned that anyone involved in inciting violence, backing criminal elements, or disrupting lawful gatherings would face legal consequences, regardless of political affiliation or status.
