Three suspects linked to last week’s violent disruption of a meeting at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi have been remanded for 10 days as detectives intensify investigations and pursue more arrests.
The suspects were arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts on Tuesday, with investigators telling the court they require more time to analyse evidence, record witness statements and track down other individuals believed to have participated in the attack.
The latest development points to what is shaping up as a wider investigation into the June 12 incident that shocked the country and drew condemnation from religious leaders, civil society groups and politicians.
The attack occurred during a post-budget forum attended by governance experts, lawyers, clergy and civil society activists at the Anglican church’s premises along Valley Road.
CCTV footage that has since emerged shows groups of men storming the compound in two waves before disrupting the meeting, chasing participants and robbing some of those in attendance.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has confirmed that investigators are relying heavily on CCTV footage captured at the church to identify additional suspects, saying several arrests have already been made while more are expected.
The incident has also reignited concerns over the growing trend of organised groups disrupting public meetings, churches and civic forums.
ACK Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has challenged security agencies to ensure everyone involved is arrested, arguing that the available CCTV footage provides enough evidence to identify those behind the attack.
He warned that failure to act would only embolden those using violence to silence dissenting voices.
As detectives continue reviewing surveillance footage and pursuing fresh leads, attention is now shifting beyond those arrested to the individuals who may have planned, financed or coordinated the attack on one of Nairobi’s most prominent places of worship.
