Three suspects accused of taking part in the disruption of a public participation forum on the Finance Bill 2026 at All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi have been detained for 10 days as police continue with investigations.
The suspects George Omondi Otieno, Effenburg Wanyama Khisa, and Melvin Alumasa Bwani appeared before Kibera Chief Magistrate Stella Atambo, where investigators sought more days to complete investigations into allegations of being part of an organized criminal group and conspiracy to commit a felony.
According to court documents, the incident occurred on June 12, 2026, when a group of about 200 boda boda riders allegedly stormed the cathedral during a public participation meeting on the Finance Bill 2026 that had been organized by clergy members.
Police told the court that the group disrupted the meeting, causing panic, damaging property, and disturbing peace at the place of worship. Officers who responded to the scene were allegedly overwhelmed by the crowd and fired warning shots into the air in an attempt to restore order.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) informed the court that preliminary investigations suggest the disruption was planned and coordinated.
The three suspects were allegedly identified through CCTV footage reviewed by forensic experts from the National Forensic Laboratory at DCI headquarters.
Detectives further stated that a motorcycle believed to have been used during the incident was recovered during the suspects’ arrest. Several mobile phones were also seized and are undergoing forensic analysis to establish communication records, movement patterns, financial transactions, and possible links to other individuals.
The prosecution told the court that investigations are still ongoing, including analysis of CCTV footage, examination of digital evidence, recording of witness statements, and tracing of other suspects believed to be involved.
Police also alleged that intelligence gathered so far connects the suspects to an organized criminal gang known as “Chini ya Mnazi,” which investigators believe may have been involved in planning and executing the disruption.
After considering submissions from the prosecution, the court granted the investigators’ request and ordered that the three suspects remain in custody at Kibra Police Station for 10 days to allow completion of investigations.
