CCTV Footage Reveals Dramatic Two-Wave Raid on All Saints Cathedral as Questions Mount Over Security Response
Fresh details have emerged following the invasion of All Saints Cathedral in Nairobi by a group of suspected hired goons, after newly released CCTV footage captured the dramatic sequence of events that unfolded during a civil society conference on Friday, June 12.
The footage, which has since circulated widely online, appears to show the suspects storming the church premises in two separate waves, disrupting a post-budget forum and allegedly robbing attendees, despite an earlier police intervention that had initially dispersed them.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from civil society organisations, religious leaders, and legal groups, while raising fresh concerns about public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement response in protecting public gatherings.
First Wave Captured on Camera
According to surveillance footage reviewed after the incident, the first group of men arrived at approximately 9:39 a.m. aboard several motorcycles before forcing their way into the church compound.
The cameras reportedly captured clear images of the suspects’ faces as well as the registration plates of the motorcycles they were using.
Police officers responded shortly afterwards and managed to push the group away from the premises. By around 9:44 a.m., the individuals had reportedly been driven outside Valley Road, allowing calm to return to the church compound.
At the time, a post-budget conference organised by civil society groups was underway inside the cathedral’s conference hall. The meeting had been convened a day after Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi presented the 2026/27 national budget and was focused on analysing the government’s spending proposals and their impact on citizens.
Suspects Return Minutes Later
However, CCTV footage shows that the situation took a dramatic turn less than half an hour later.
At approximately 10:11 a.m., the same group allegedly returned to the church premises. This time, they abandoned their motorcycles and entered the compound on foot.
The footage reportedly captures the men walking directly towards the conference venue where discussions were still ongoing.
Witnesses say the group interrupted the meeting by chanting slogans and creating chaos, forcing participants to flee. Several attendees also alleged that personal belongings were stolen during the disruption.
Outside the church compound, a gunshot was heard amid efforts to restore order and disperse the crowd, although authorities have yet to provide a detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the discharge of the firearm.
Investigations Underway
The entire episode was captured by multiple CCTV cameras installed around the cathedral grounds, providing investigators with extensive visual evidence.
Police have confirmed that one suspect has since been arrested and taken to Kibra Police Station as investigations continue.
Authorities have not yet publicly disclosed whether additional arrests are expected or whether the suspects were acting independently or under instructions from third parties.
Civil Society Groups Demand Accountability
The incident has triggered sharp reactions from several organisations, including the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) and the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), both of which condemned the disruption of the meeting and called for a thorough investigation.
Some civil society groups have also called for the suspension and investigation of Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi following claims reportedly made by one of the suspects arrested in connection with the incident.
However, those allegations remain unverified, and no evidence has been publicly presented linking the Cabinet Secretary to the events at the cathedral.
As of the time of publication, neither the National Police Service nor CS Mbadi had publicly responded to the allegations or issued a detailed statement regarding the incident.
The ongoing investigation is expected to focus on the identity of those involved, the motive behind the disruption, and whether any individuals or organisations may have coordinated the attack.
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