Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit has strongly condemned the violent invasion by suspected goons at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi on Friday, describing the incident as a desecration of a sacred space and a troubling sign for the nation.
Speaking at the cathedral, Archbishop Ole Sapit addressed the attack, which targeted a peaceful post-budget review forum organized by civil society organizations, including groups like the Kenya Human Rights Commission and Transparency International Kenya.
The forum aimed to analyze the Sh4.84 trillion 2026/27 national budget presented by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
“Goons have overrun our streets, hotels, and churches, and we ask; where are we as a people, country, and community, many never expected to witness what we witnessed on Friday.”
He emphasized the historical significance of All Saints Cathedral as a place of refuge and sanctuary. “This Cathedral sheltered mothers of political prisoners. It stood with those who were seeking justice when it was not popular. This is a place of refuge, and this Cathedral will remain so,” he declared.
The Archbishop reaffirmed that church spaces are meant for worship, reflection, and constructive dialogue, including budget review meetings held in that spirit.
He urged Kenyans to stand firmly against such wrongs: “We must stand against what is wrong. We condemn the invasion of churches and homes.”
In his call to action, Archbishop Ole Sapit demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of the perpetrators. “We demand the arrest and prosecution of the goons. If not, the IG should resign because he has failed,” he stated.
This came hours after motorbike-riding goons stormed the cathedral compound during the public forum on Friday. They confronted security guards, forced their way into the grounds, and proceeded to the conference area on the second floor.
The attackers disrupted proceedings, destroyed materials, assaulted some participants, and robbed attendees and pedestrians nearby, including women and children.
Police intervened by firing into the air to disperse the crowd. One suspect was arrested and remains in custody, with videos circulating showing vehicle license plates.
Allegations have surfaced linking the goons to a senior official, prompting the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) to condemned the attack terming it as a “blatant and despicable desecration” of a sacred place of worship.
NCCK called for the Inspector General to publicly identify those behind the attack and ensure their prosecution, while also highlighting the constitutional right to access public information.
Archbishop Ole Sapit’s remarks serve as a wake-up call, urging authorities to restore order and protect sacred and public spaces from such intimidation.
