Siaya Governor James Orengo has condemned what he described as a brazen attack on opposition leaders at a church service in Kisumu, accusing unidentified goons of attempting to disrupt worship and intimidate members of the Linda Mwananchi movement.
In a statement on Sunday, Mr Orengo said he and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, a co-principal of the Linda Mwananchi movement, had attended a service at St. Stephen ACK Cathedral in Kisumu to pray for the country when the incident occurred.
"Unshaken and unstoppable! Today, together with Linda Mwananchi Co-Principal Senator Edwin Sifuna, we worshipped at St. Stephen ACK Cathedral, Kisumu, to pray for our nation," Mr Orengo said.
The governor alleged that the attackers targeted the leaders inside the church compound, describing the incident as an affront to both democracy and the sanctity of places of worship.
"It is deeply shameful that goons were sent to attack us inside a house of God. But let it be known: we will not be intimidated," he said.
Mr Orengo thanked members of the public whom he said shielded the leaders from harm as tensions escalated.
"I thank the Almighty God for His divine protection, and I am profoundly grateful to the brave Wananchi who stood firm, shielded us, and ensured we left safe and in one piece."
He maintained that the attack would not deter the movement from pursuing what it describes as a campaign to champion the interests of ordinary Kenyans.
"The sanctuary of the Lord cannot be defiled by cowardice. We remain focused on the people's cause."
The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations involving opposition leaders during public engagements, raising fresh concerns over political intolerance as the country moves closer to the 2027 General Election.
Earlier on Sunday, leaders allied to the Linda Mwananchi movement also reported being attacked in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, where they alleged that groups of armed youths disrupted their political activities and damaged vehicles.
The opposition has accused the government of failing to curb the violence, with some leaders alleging that the groups responsible have operated openly and, in some instances, in the presence of police officers. They have called for independent investigations into the incidents and prosecution of those responsible.
The government has denied allegations that it sponsors or protects violent groups, maintaining that security agencies are impartial and that anyone found culpable will face the law.
By Sunday evening, police had not released a detailed statement on the circumstances surrounding the Kisumu incident or the allegations made by Mr Orengo.
Religious leaders have in the past urged political actors to keep places of worship free from partisan confrontation, warning that violence in churches risks undermining both religious freedom and national cohesion.
Sunday's events are expected to intensify calls for security agencies to guarantee the safety of political leaders and members of the public attending lawful gatherings, regardless of their political affiliation.
