It forced police in Kisumu to lob teargas canisters on Sunday to disperse rival youth factions armed with bows, arrows, and clubs who clashed outside St Stephen ACK Cathedral.

The violent disruption unfolded mid-service while Siaya Governor James Orengo and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, both key figures in the Linda Mwananchi movement, were inside hosting a church fundraiser.

The structural serenity of the cathedral grounds quickly dissolved as moving external groups wielding bows and arrows collided with defensive internal groups who were locked inside the compound and armed with rungus (wooden clubs).

The confrontation escalated into running street battles during which several intercepted motorcycles belonging to the opposing political factions were torched.

Injuries

Multiple youth injuries were reported throughout the melee, including one individual who collapsed at the church gate after sustaining severe head trauma.

Police rapid deployment units arrived to establish a tight security perimeter around the church, using the teargas to clear the rowdy crowds. Despite the intense rioting and chaos directly outside the doors, church leaders maintained the interior fundraising itinerary.

Terrified worshippers were left to observe the running battles through the sanctuary windows before Governor Orengo and Senator Sifuna were safely evacuated from the premises through an alternative side gate.

The exact political catalyst behind the highly charged confrontation remains unconfirmed, and local police have not yet finalized an official arrest count.