A chilling scene unfolded on Sunday evening in Kochola Village, East Kamagambo location, in Migori County as police uncovered what appears to be a bizarre and deadly cult-like operation at St. Joseph Missions of Africa Church.
The discovery followed a distress call made at 6:25 p.m. by Abiud Rariende, Assistant Chief of Kanyadiedo Sub-location, who reported a suspicious death at the church compound. When the Sub-County Security and Intelligence Committee (SCSIC), led by the Deputy County Commissioner and police officers, arrived at the scene, they were met with horror.
The lifeless body of a man identified as Francis Muli was found lying on the floor of a prayer room. “The deceased was wrapped in a grey sheet and dressed in a white robe. He had visible facial injuries and foam oozing from the mouth,” said a report filed at Kamagambo Police Station.
This marked the second body to be discovered on the same premises in a single day, although police withheld details on the first.
A subsequent search of the church compound led to the shocking rescue of 57 worshipers, some visibly frail and weak. The group included men, women, and children—ranging from a 5-year-old boy to a 77-year-old woman. The rescued individuals, all believed to be followers of the church, had been residing within the premises under unknown circumstances.
“We found them living in disturbing conditions,” said one member of the rescue team. “Some were disoriented, many appeared malnourished and their general state raised serious concerns.”
The group was immediately transported to Rongo Sub-County Hospital for medical evaluation. However, what followed stunned even the medics.
“They refused to be examined, began chanting religious songs, and disrupted the facility to the point we had to ask authorities to remove them,” said a medical officer at the hospital, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the case.
The group is currently being held at Kamagambo Police Station as investigations intensify.
“This is a developing case. We are treating it as a suspected murder and potential cult operation. Our detectives are digging deeper to establish what really happened at that church,” said Rongo DCI officers in a statement.
The incident has rocked the quiet village of Kochola, prompting concern and fear among locals.
“We never expected such darkness in a place meant for worship,” said a resident, adding, “We hope justice is served.”
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and report any suspicious religious gatherings in the area. The case remains under investigation by detectives from Rongo Sub-County.
