A chilling discovery unfolded in Kochola Village, East Kamagambo location, Migori County, on Sunday evening when police uncovered what appears to be a deadly cult-like operation at St. Joseph Missions of Africa Church. The incident followed a distress call at 6:25 p.m. made by Abiud Rariende, the Assistant Chief of Kanyadiedo Sub-location, who reported a suspicious death at the church compound.
When a team from the Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committee (SCSIC), led by the Deputy County Commissioner and local police, arrived at the scene, they were met with a horrifying sight. The lifeless body of a man, identified as Francis Muli, was found on the floor of a prayer room. The body was wrapped in a grey sheet and dressed in a white robe. He had visible facial injuries, and foam was oozing from his mouth, indicating a violent and sudden death.
This discovery marked the second body to be found on the church grounds that day. Details regarding the first body have been withheld by authorities, but the scene was undeniably grim.
A thorough search of the church compound soon uncovered even more disturbing evidence. Police rescued 57 individuals men, women, and children, ranging in age from a 5-year-old boy to a 77-year-old woman. The group, believed to be followers of the church, had been living within the premises under unclear and troubling circumstances. Many of the rescued individuals appeared frail and weak, showing signs of severe malnutrition. Some were disoriented, while others appeared to be in an altered state of mind.
A member of the rescue team described the conditions they found, stating that the individuals were living in disturbing conditions. “Some were disoriented, many appeared malnourished, and their general state raised serious concerns,” the team member said. The rescued individuals were immediately transported to Rongo Sub-County Hospital for medical attention, where things took another unexpected turn.
Upon arrival at the hospital, the group refused to undergo medical examination. Instead, they began chanting religious songs, disrupting the facility to the point that hospital staff had to request authorities to remove them. The unusual behavior of the group only added to the sense of mystery surrounding the incident.
The individuals are now being held at Kamagambo Police Station while investigations continue. Authorities have categorized the situation as a potential cult operation and are treating it as a suspected murder investigation. Detectives from Rongo DCI are working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of what transpired at the church and to determine whether any foul play was involved in the deaths.
The case has shocked the local community, with residents expressing fear and disbelief at the situation. “We never expected such darkness in a place meant for worship,” said one concerned local. “We hope justice is served and that the truth about what happened is uncovered.”
The incident has prompted authorities to urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious religious gatherings in the area. The case remains under active investigation, and more details are expected to emerge as detectives continue their work. For now, the quiet village of Kochola has been left reeling from the discovery of what appears to be a horrific and tragic cult operation.
