Tension gripped Kisumu on Monday evening after reports emerged that police officers had raided the home of ACK Bondo Diocese Bishop David Kodia, just hours after his bold address during the state funeral of the late Raila Odinga at Nyayo Stadium.
During the solemn ceremony, Bishop Kodia captured national attention with his fiery sermon that appeared to take direct aim at Kenya’s political elite. “Today we have politicians who have very bad manners,” he declared, drawing murmurs from the crowd and nods of approval from sections of mourners who interpreted his statement as a call for moral accountability in leadership.
The outspoken cleric went on to challenge leaders to embrace humility and integrity, arguing that the current political climate had been poisoned by greed, arrogance, and a disregard for public service. His comments struck a chord with many Kenyans watching the event live, who later flooded social media platforms to praise his courage.
However, shortly after the service, reports began circulating that police officers had stormed Bishop Kodia’s residence in Kisumu. Neighbours alleged that officers arrived in several vehicles and conducted a search without giving a clear explanation. The reason for the raid remains unclear, and efforts to reach the police for comment have so far been unsuccessful.
Church officials and human rights defenders have condemned the incident, terming it an act of intimidation against a man who spoke truth to power. “Targeting a bishop for expressing moral concerns during a national funeral is unacceptable,” said a statement from the Kenya Council of Churches.
As investigations continue, the raid has sparked a heated debate about freedom of expression and the growing tension between the Church and the State in the wake of Raila Odinga’s death.