All Saints' Cathedral suspects held for 10 days as DCI links attack to 'chini ya mnazi' criminal group

The suspects, George Omondi Otieno, Effenburg Wanyama Khisa, Melvin Alumasa Bwani, and two others arrested earlier, were arraigned on charges including conspiracy to commit a felony, robbery, stealing and threats to life.

Presenting them before the court, Investigating Officer Odhiambo Weke told the court that preliminary investigations indicate the suspects are part of a criminal group known as "Chini ya mnazi" operating out of Mathare North. The case is set for mention on June 30, 2026.

On June 12, a violent group of approximately 200 boda boda riders stormed the church grounds, violently disrupting an ongoing budget review meeting and sending congregants and participants fleeing in panic.

Officers at the scene were compelled to discharge warning shots to restore order.

Weke told the court that CCTV footage had positively identified the suspects and that investigators believe there were leaders who orchestrated the attack from behind the scenes.

He added that additional suspects captured on camera are still being traced.

The prosecution opposed bail, arguing that the suspects posed a clear flight risk after having gone into hiding immediately following the attack.

Weke also flagged the complexity of the case, noting that investigators were still piecing together the financial trail and the role of hired operatives.

Notably, one of the hired men has already told Citizen TV that the group was financed by a Member of Parliament and executed with the support of plain-clothes police officers.

He said they were recruited under the impression they would disrupt a meeting associated with opposition figure Rigathi Gachagua, only for the target to change upon reaching the city centre.

Each man was promised Ksh 2,000 and instructed to arrive on a motorcycle in pairs.

The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has condemned the attack and called on the Inspector General of Police to ensure all perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.