A church in Rongo town, Migori County, has been shut down indefinitely after authorities discovered two bodies on the premises and rescued 57 members in a dramatic operation prompted by public outcry and allegations of illegal burials.
The incident unfolded on the eve of Easter Monday when a family, accompanied by police, stormed the controversial church to reclaim the body of their deceased father. The man was reportedly set to be buried within the church compound, in accordance with what church members claimed was his final wish. The confrontation resulted in the rescue of 57 individuals, including the recovery of the deceased’s body.
Rongo Deputy County Commissioner George Matundura confirmed the operation, citing reports of sick and injured persons being held at the facility. “We acted upon credible information and have successfully evacuated 57 individuals. The sick are now receiving medical attention, and police are in control of the premises,” he said.
The church has long faced scrutiny over its unorthodox practices, including a previous case where a General Service Unit (GSU) officer was buried on the premises after a permit was issued by his wife. Officials have now confirmed the discovery of two bodies, with postmortem results pending to establish the cause of death.
Jacinter Achieng, the daughter of one of the deceased, alleged her father succumbed to injuries from an earlier mob attack on the church. She insisted he had wished to be buried within the church grounds and accused relatives of going against his will. “I fear I’ll be haunted for not honouring my father’s burial wishes,” she said.
Amid growing controversy, a church member defended the faith’s burial practices, asserting they are documented and legally permitted. She denied any cult-like activities and dismissed rumours that the church barred members from seeking medical care.
Authorities are continuing investigations to determine whether the church was operating in violation of the law, as calls grow louder for tighter regulation of religious institutions.
