Another Shakahola? 2 Dead, 57 Rescued From ‘Church of Death’ in Rongo As Victims Refuse Medical Help

Authorities have launched investigations into what appears to be another potential cult tragedy after two bodies were recovered and 57 people rescued from a church compound in Migori County, in an alarming echo of the Shakahola forest massacre.

The incident unfolded at St Joseph’s Missions of Africa Church in Kochola village, Kamagambo, Rongo sub-county, when police responded to an alert from a local assistant chief regarding a death at the premises.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the body of Francis Muli lying on the floor of a prayer room within the church compound.

The deceased was dressed in a white robe and wrapped in a grey sheet, with visible facial injuries and foam emanating from his mouth, according to the police report obtained by this reporter.

This grim finding came after another body had already been recovered from the same location earlier in the day, authorities confirmed, though details about the first victim remain scarce.

In a dramatic turn of events on the eve of Easter Monday, a family came forward to claim the body of their father, whose burial was being planned to happened within the precinct of the controversial church. Church members insisted that they were honouring the deceased’s will.

The family, accompanied by police officers, stormed the church, rescuing 57 members, including the body of the deceased.

Deputy County Commissioner for Rongo, George Matundura, who spoke to the media about the situation, acknowledged receiving information, which prompted their action.

“We were informed of sick and injured individuals within the church, which is why we are here. We have successfully rescued 57 faithful from this facility,” he explained.

Matundura noted that the sick and injured have been taken to receive medical attention, and the police have assumed control of the church facility.

He also revealed that two bodies were found at the location, and the cause of death is yet to be determined pending postmortem examinations.

The raid and rescue follow the Church officials’ denial of claims and rumors suggesting that multiple individuals had been secretly buried in the church compound in the past in a cult-like movement.

The church has faced controversies in the past, particularly concerning the burial of a GSU officer within its grounds. The officer, who died on March 27, 2025, was buried on March 28 following a burial permit obtained by his wife from local authorities, allowing interment according to the church’s doctrine.

Ms Jacinter Achieng, the daughter of one of the deceased, alleged that her father died due to assaults from locals and the family of the GSU officer who stormed the church a week earlier.

“My father, a staunch church follower, was in good health until the attack that left him injured and ultimately led to his death,” lamented Achieng.

She emphasised that her uncles took the body against her father’s wishes, as he had expressed a desire to be buried in the church compound.

“They took my father’s body by force, despite our advocate having his will stating he wanted to be buried here. I fear I will be haunted by him for not honouring his request,” she said.

Achieng urged the government to intervene and ensure her father’s wishes are respected, vowing never to attend a burial outside the church compound.

Similarly, a congregant from the church defended its practices amid accusations.

“Despite the accusations against us, we are simply practicing our faith, which is guaranteed by the constitution as freedom of worship,” she stated.

She refuted claims that the church prohibits members from seeking medical treatment, clarifying that health decisions are personal.

Furthermore, she asserted that all burials within the church compound are known to the government and are legally sanctioned by burial permits issued by local chiefs.

“We are being falsely accused of burying people here illegally. Every individual buried here is documented and authorised by the government through the burial permits,” she concluded.

The incidents have raised serious concerns among local officials about the potential for another tragedy similar to the Shakahola forest case, where hundreds of followers of the Good News International Church led by Paul Mackenzie died from starvation and other causes in what became known as one of Kenya’s worst cult-related tragedies.

County security officials have announced plans to intensify scrutiny of religious organizations operating in the region, particularly those with isolated compounds or unusual practices.