A Kibera court has ordered the detention of three suspects linked to the violent invasion of All Saints’ Cathedral in Nairobi’s Kilimani area.
Kibera Magistrate Stella Atambo granted police an application to hold George Omondi Otieno, Effenburg Wanyama Khisa, and Melvin Alumasa Bwani for ten working days at Kibra Police Station to allow completion of investigations into the incident.
According to court documents, the trio is under investigation for alleged participation in an organised criminal group, contrary to the Prevention of Organised Crimes Act, as well as conspiracy to commit a felony under the Penal Code. Authorities indicated that additional charges may arise as investigations continue.
The case stems from an incident on June 12, 2026, when a group of approximately 200 boda boda riders reportedly stormed All Saints’ Cathedral during an ongoing meeting. The group is said to have caused panic, destruction of property, and a major breach of peace.
Police officers who responded to the scene were reportedly overwhelmed by the crowd and were forced to fire warning shots into the air to restore order.
Investigators told the court that preliminary findings suggest the attack was planned and coordinated. The suspects were allegedly identified through CCTV footage analysed by forensic experts at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters.
During the arrests, police recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used in the commission of the offence, along with several mobile phones that are now undergoing forensic analysis. Authorities say the devices could provide crucial information on communication, coordination, and possible links to other suspects still at large.
The court heard that key witnesses have yet to record statements, and investigators fear the suspects could interfere with witnesses or tamper with evidence if released at this stage. Police also expressed concern over the suspects’ alleged attempts to evade arrest, describing them as a potential flight risk.
Further, investigators claimed the suspects are linked to an organised criminal gang known as “Chini ya Mnazi,” believed to have played a role in planning and executing the attack. Authorities are currently conducting criminal profiling to uncover the gang’s structure, networks, and possible involvement in other criminal activities within Nairobi.
The prosecution argued that releasing the suspects could compromise ongoing investigations, including forensic analysis and efforts to apprehend additional suspects.
Magistrate Atambo ruled that the continued detention of the suspects is necessary to allow investigators to complete their work and safeguard public security.
The matter will be mentioned after the lapse of the detention period for further directions.
