Assailant Strikes Kisii Church, Leaving 5 Wounded

A knife-wielding assailant disrupted a Sunday service at Deliverance Church in Kisii, leaving five congregants injured, including the Officer in Charge of the Police Division (OCPD) Kisii Central.

The attack, which occurred mid-service, plunged the congregation into chaos and panic. Eyewitnesses report that the previously peaceful service was suddenly interrupted when the attacker stormed in, indiscriminately assaulting worshippers. Swift police intervention helped contain the situation leading to the assailant's arrest and the confiscation of the weapon. The injured were promptly transported to Kisii Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized care.

As investigations into the incident continue, the motive behind this violent outburst remains unclear with authorities yet to release an official statement. This attack follows closely on the heels of another violent incident at the SDA Nyabigena Church in Kisii just a week prior, where an altercation between two factions resulted in ten worshippers requiring hospitalization. The SDA Nyabigena Church incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute over church ownership and leadership.

Tensions escalated when accusations of betrayal were publicly levelled against certain members during a service, leading to a physical confrontation. The police investigation into this matter has been hampered by the uncooperative stance of one faction, further complicating efforts to resolve the conflict.

“All hell broke loose when one of the church elders announced to other faithful that there were traitors who had attended church last Sabbath. As soon as he had finished making the announcement, unknown people stormed the church and started roughing up Christians," a congregant told journalists.

In response to these troubling incidents, community leaders have issued calls for calm and urged congregants to seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes. They have emphasized the importance of unity and understanding within the community, particularly in religious settings. The local government has pledged support for the affected families and is committed to ensuring that justice is served.