Three men arrested over the violent disruption of a gathering at Nairobi’s All Saints Cathedral will remain in custody for ten working days after a Kibera court allowed investigators additional time to complete inquiries into the incident.
Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo issued the detention orders against George Omondi Otieno, Effenburg Wanyama Khisa and Melvin Alumasa Bwani following an application by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The trio had been expected to take plea, but prosecutors successfully argued that investigations are still ongoing and require more time before a charging decision can be finalized.
According to an affidavit filed by DCI officer PC Carrey Odhiambo, investigators believe the June 12 incident at All Saints Cathedral was a coordinated operation involving a large group of individuals who stormed the church premises and disrupted an ongoing meeting.
Court documents state that approximately 200 boda boda riders allegedly forced their way into the cathedral compound, triggering panic, destruction of property and public disorder.
Detectives told the court that CCTV footage analyzed by forensic experts at DCI headquarters allegedly captured the three suspects taking part in the disturbance. Investigators further said they recovered a Boxer motorcycle registration number KMFH 161S, which is believed to have been used during the operation and was also reportedly captured on surveillance footage.
Mobile phones seized from the suspects are undergoing forensic examination as investigators seek to establish communication patterns, movement records, financial links and possible connections to other individuals believed to have participated in the incident.
The DCI informed the court that the probe remains incomplete despite being at an advanced stage. Investigators are still reviewing digital evidence, tracing additional suspects, recording witness statements and conducting identification procedures.
Police further argued that releasing the suspects could interfere with the investigation, citing concerns over possible witness intimidation, destruction of evidence and contact with accomplices who have not yet been arrested.
In their filings, detectives also alleged that intelligence gathered so far points to links between the suspects and a group known as “Chini Ya Mnazi,” which investigators suspect played a role in organizing and mobilizing those involved in the cathedral disruption.
The court heard that authorities are also attempting to identify other individuals captured on CCTV footage and map out the structure, operations and networks of those believed to be connected to the incident.
After considering the application, Chief Magistrate Atambo authorized the continued detention of the three suspects at Kibra Police Station for ten working days.
The case will be mentioned again on June 30, 2026, when the court is expected to receive an update on the progress of investigations.
