Rongo, Migori County
Police in Rongo Sub-county have launched investigations following a disturbing incident involving suspected murder and the rescue of 57 worshippers from a local church in Kochola village, East Kamagambo location.
The incident was reported on the evening of Sunday, April 20 2025,vby Abiud Rariende, the Assistant Chief of Kanyadiedo Sub-location, after the lifeless body of a man, identified as Francis Muli, was discovered inside St. Joseph Missions of Africa Church. Authorities say the body, whose age could not be immediately determined, was found lying on the floor of a prayer room, fully covered in a white robe and grey sheet.
According to the police, the body had visible facial injuries and foam coming from the mouth, pointing to possible foul play. The scene was processed by crime scene experts, and the body was taken to Rosewood Mortuary pending a postmortem.
Shockingly, this was not the only tragedy at the church. Earlier in the day, police recovered another body from the same premises, although details about the second deceased remain undisclosed.
Further, the Rongo sub-county security and intelligence committee, led by the Deputy County Commissioner and police officers, conducted a search within the church premises and managed to rescue 57 individuals residing there under unclear circumstances.
The rescued group, comprising men, women, and children , some appearing weak and frail, were escorted to Rongo Sub-county Hospital for medical check-ups. However, they refused examination and began chanting religious songs, creating commotion within the hospital premises. Medical staff, citing disturbance of other patients, advised that the group be removed.
The 57 individuals were then taken to Rongo Police Station as investigations continued. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of cultic activities, and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has taken over the matter, with investigations currently ongoing.
Residents have expressed shock at the bizarre events, with many calling for thorough investigations into the church’s activities and leadership.
The unsettling discovery at St. Joseph Missions of Africa Church in Kochola village evokes memories of the Shakahola Forest massacre, one of Kenya’s most harrowing cult-related tragedies.
In 2023, authorities uncovered mass graves in Shakahola Forest, Kilifi County, linked to the Good News International Church led by self-proclaimed pastor Paul Nthenge Mackenzie. Investigations revealed that Mackenzie had instructed his followers to starve themselves to death to “meet Jesus,” leading to the deaths of over 429 individuals, including 191 children.
The Shakahola incident shocked the nation and the world, highlighting the dangers of unregulated religious movements. Mackenzie and 94 of his associates faced charges ranging from murder and manslaughter to terrorism and child torture.
Police are treating the Rongocase as a matter under investigation (PUI) and urge the public to report any suspicious religious gatherings or activities.
