A peaceful church service in Migori County turned chaotic on Sunday, July 13, 2025, after a group of armed individuals stormed the venue, allegedly targeting a vocal local politician. The incident occurred during an interdenominational prayer service and fundraising event held at Kabobo in Macalder Kanyarwanda Ward, Nyatike Constituency.
According to eyewitness reports and video footage seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the attackers had hidden machetes in their clothing and quietly blended into the crowd before suddenly springing into action. Their violent disruption caused panic among worshippers, forcing many to flee for their safety.
TARGETED POLITICIAN LINKED TO LOCAL TENSIONS
Sources claim the attackers were seeking out Kanyarwanda Ward MCA Felix Okwanyo, a known critic of both the current Migori County administration and the area Member of Parliament. Tensions had reportedly been simmering ahead of the fundraiser, with whispers of political sabotage circulating through local leadership circles.
“Okwanyo has been vocal against the governor and the local MP. He’s also expressed interest in contesting in 2027, which may have rubbed some leaders the wrong way,” a source familiar with local politics told Kenyans.co.ke.
“He has consistently criticized the gold mining oversight committee, and considering Kanyarwanda is rich in mining activity, it’s no surprise that he’s made political enemies.”
While the exact motive for the attack remains unclear, insiders suggest that the fracas was a calculated attempt to intimidate Okwanyo in the presence of high-profile figures.
TOP LEADERS PRESENT AS VIOLENCE UNFOLDED
Notably, the incident unfolded in full view of senior government officials, including Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, and Farouk Kibet, a close aide to President William Ruto. Despite their presence, no immediate intervention was seen, and no official statement had been issued by press time.
The violent disruption has drawn concern over increasing political intolerance and the use of hired goons to settle rivalries, a trend that has been on the rise across the country.
A GROWING TREND OF POLITICAL VIOLENCE
The Migori incident mirrors recent violent disruptions linked to political events. In a previous case, a meeting organized by Cooperatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya’s spouse was thrown into disarray when knife-wielding youth invaded the venue. Similarly, on the eve of Saba Saba Day protests, suspected goons stormed the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) offices, where a group of mothers was preparing to address media about enforced disappearances and police brutality.
These recurring incidents highlight a troubling normalization of political violence as a tool for intimidation.
CALLS FOR ACTION
As tensions continue to rise ahead of the 2027 General Election, civil society and local leaders are calling on security agencies and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to probe the Migori church attack thoroughly.
“Political competition should not come at the cost of lives, peace, or sanctity of places of worship,” said one Nyatike resident. “We want the rule of law, not rule by fear.”
With no arrests or statements made so far, the residents of Migori — and the country at large — await accountability and justice.
