Law enforcement officers have intensified investigations at a church in Rongo, Migori County, following the deaths of two congregants and the dramatic rescue of 57 others who were found on the premises.
The rescued individuals, who appeared frail and disoriented, were taken to Rongo Sub-County Hospital for medical care but declined treatment. Instead, they broke into chants and religious songs, creating a commotion that prompted hospital staff to ask police to relocate them. They are currently being held at a nearby police station as authorities determine the next steps.
The situation unfolded on Monday, April 21, 2025, when police received a report of a lifeless body at the church located in Kanyadiedo sub-location, East Kamagambo. Upon arrival, officers discovered a deceased individual in a prayer room. The body was dressed in a white robe, covered with a grey sheet, and showed signs of physical injury, including facial wounds and frothing at the mouth.
Earlier that day, police had already retrieved another body from the same compound. Both remains have been transferred to the local morgue for postmortem examination.
A subsequent sweep of the church led to the discovery of 57 individuals living in the facility under questionable circumstances. Some appeared malnourished or weak, and initial reports suggest that they may have been subjected to cult-like practices.
This case bears similarities to a previous incident in Kamagambo, where a police officer reportedly radicalised by the same church died and was buried within the church grounds. The officer, identified as Obura and formerly stationed at the General Service Unit headquarters in Nairobi, reportedly fell ill and was transported to the church for prayers. He passed away en route on March 27, 2025, and was buried there the following day under the authorization of a local assistant chief, who claimed to be unaware of the burial site.
Family members of the deceased officer had raised concerns about the church's teachings, alleging that their relative had been influenced by extremist ideologies. Previous complaints had been filed, but it remains unclear whether any action was taken.
Police are currently pursuing investigations into both incidents, linking them to possible occult practices. The church leadership has yet to issue any public response.
Authorities have expressed growing concern over the rise of similar cases involving suspected cult activity in the region.
