Wamuzi News Ke
Chaos erupted yesterday during a church service in Nyatike, Migori County, as machete‑wielding assailants infiltrated a crowded prayer event seemingly targeting a local politician. The incident unfolded in full view of high‑profile figures, including Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Migori Governor Ochilo Ayacko, and President Ruto’s aide, Farouk Kibet .
The interdenominational service, held at Kabobo in Macalder Kanyarwanda Ward, began peacefully as a fundraiser and prayer gathering. But without warning, a group of men armed with crude machetes—concealed under their clothing—blended into the congregation. Moments later, they advanced toward one individual, triggering panic and sending worshippers scrambling in terror.
Shocking footage shows crowds fleeing en masse, while the assailants, seemingly focused on a single person, created a terrifying melee. Though the targeted politician has not been publicly named, local sources suggest rising tension involving Felix Okwanyo, the MCA for Kanyarwanda Ward, who has been openly critical of the Migori County administration and is allegedly planning a 2027 political bid.
Eyewitness accounts tie the scuffle to longstanding conflict between Okwanyo and local political heavyweights. Rumours suggest frustration over his vocal opposition to the county’s gold‑mining committee, particularly given the economic stakes for his mining‑rich ward. “He’s made many enemies… it’s hard to say exactly who might have decided to retaliate,” said one insider.
Despite the presence of national and county leadership, including Cabinet Secretary Wandayi, Governor Ayacko, and Farouk Kibet, shockwaves rippled through the event. As of now, no official statement has been issued by local authorities or the county government regarding motive or arrests.
This attack is the latest in a disturbing trend of political violence infiltrating public events. Earlier this year, functions involving senior officials—such as a gathering led by Cooperatives CS Wycliffe Oparanya—were disrupted by youths armed with knives. More recently, armed individuals reportedly infiltrated the Kenya Human Rights Commission ahead of protest events calling out enforced disappearances and extra‑judicial killings.
What makes this incident especially alarming:
- High-profile exposure: The attack unfolded before senior political figures, raising questions about security lapses.
- Political retaliation: The incident appears directly linked to internal county politics and planned electoral ambitions.
- Church as a battleground: A sacred space turned into a stage for violent intimidation, illustrating the erosion of safety in public gatherings.
What to Watch Next:
Authorities must answer critical questions: Was this attack premeditated? Have any suspects been detained? Are tensions escalating between political actors over local resources and power dynamics?
Church leaders, security agencies, and civil society groups are urging calm and a thorough investigation. As Migori races toward the 2027 election cycle, today’s events reinforce concerns about rising political violence and the use of intimidation to silence dissent.
This incident marks a dangerous escalation—an armed disruption at a prayer meeting attended by top officials—that demands urgent national attention and condemnation.
