Two dead, 57 rescued from church in Rongo
Authorities confirmed that another body had been retrieved from the same location earlier that day. Both remains were taken to a nearby mortuary for postmortem examinations and further investigations.
Detectives are currently stationed at a church in Rongo, Migori County, after the deaths of two congregants and the rescue of 57 others from the premises.
Authorities reported that the rescued individuals, who were taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation, declined treatment.
Despite appearing physically weak, they refused any medical intervention and were later transferred to a local police station as officers deliberate on the next course of action.
On Monday, April 21, 2025, officers were alerted to the presence of a body at a church located in Kanyadiedo sub-location, East Kamagambo.
Upon arriving at the scene, they discovered a lifeless body lying on the floor of a prayer room within the church compound.
The body, which was dressed in a white robe and wrapped in a grey sheet, had visible facial injuries, and foam was seen coming from the mouth, according to police reports.
Authorities confirmed that another body had been retrieved from the same location earlier that day.
Both remains were taken to a nearby mortuary for postmortem examinations and further investigations.
During a search of the compound, police discovered 57 individuals living within the church. Some appeared to be in poor health.
They were taken to Rongo Sub-County Hospital for assessment, but all of them refused to be examined.
Instead, the group began singing and chanting religious songs, causing a disturbance.
Medical staff eventually requested their removal from the facility due to the disruption caused to other patients.
The group was then escorted to a police station, where they are being held as investigations continue.
This marks the second incident of its kind in the region, with authorities already probing suspected occult activities.
In an earlier case, a police officer believed to have been radicalised was reportedly buried within a church compound in Kamagambo, prompting an ongoing inquiry.
Police have attributed the recent incident to practices linked to occultism, stating that the doctrine followed at the church in Opapo village, Kamagambo, is deceptive and misleading.
The controversy deepened following the death of a police officer, identified as Obura, who was stationed at the General Service Unit (GSU) headquarters in Nairobi.
He passed away on March 27, 2025, after reportedly falling ill while at home with his wife.
According to her statement, they had decided to seek divine intervention at the church in Opapo. However, Obura died en route, and they arrived at the church around 8 p.m. that night.
The following day, the officer’s wife obtained a burial permit from a local assistant chief, who later told authorities he had not been informed of the intended burial site.
Using the permit, she and a small group of church members conducted a burial within the church compound.
Some of Obura’s family members had previously raised concerns about the church’s influence, claiming he had been indoctrinated by its teachings.
His father had even lodged a complaint with the police, which led to a past visit to the church by officers, though it remains unclear what action, if any, was taken at the time.
Police say investigations into the officer’s death, the burial, and the broader practices of the church are currently ongoing.
The church leadership has yet to issue any official statement regarding the incident.