- Two bodies were found inside the premises of St. Joseph Mission of Africa Church in Kochola Village.
- One of the deceased was discovered lying on the church floor, showing signs of physical trauma.
- A total of 57 people, aged between 5 and 77, were rescued but refused medical care.
- Police say the victims were weak and appeared neglected.
- The church has now drawn comparisons to the infamous Shakahola tragedy.
- Investigations began following a tip-off from a local administrator.
A disturbing scene unfolded in Migori County after authorities uncovered what appears to be a case of extreme religious manipulation. Two people were found dead at the St. Joseph Mission of Africa Church in Kochola Village, while 57 others were rescued from the compound in a weakened condition.
First Body Found in Church Prayer Room
Officers from Kamagambo Police Station say the first body was found in a prayer room on Sunday, April 20. The deceased, who was dressed in a white robe and partially covered with a grey sheet, had visible facial injuries and foam around the mouth.
Later that day, a second body was discovered in a different location within the same church compound. Both bodies were taken to Rosewood Mortuary, where postmortems are expected to be carried out.
“The scene was processed, and the body was moved to Rosewood Mortuary for further examination,” police confirmed.
Rescued Worshippers Refuse Medical Attention
During the operation, police rescued 57 individuals residing at the church, some as young as five and as old as seventy-seven. Officers noted that most of them appeared frail and malnourished. They were taken to Rongo Sub-county Hospital for treatment—but what followed raised even more concern.
The group refused medical assistance and instead broke into religious chants and songs. Medical personnel, unable to contain the disruption, advised their removal. The group was then escorted to Kamagambo Police Station for further handling.
Suspicious Activities Prompted Police Raid
The rescue and recovery operation was initiated after the Assistant Chief of Kanyadiedo sub-location reported suspicious activities occurring at the church. That tip-off set off an investigation that is now drawing national attention.
Shakahola Tragedy Revisited
This chilling incident has revived memories of the Shakahola massacre, where controversial preacher Paul Mackenzie was accused of leading his followers into deadly fasting sessions. What started as a single case in April 2023 ended with over 400 shallow graves being unearthed in Kilifi County.
Just last week—on April 11, 2025—the Court of Appeal in Malindi gave the DPP clearance to charge Mackenzie and his 30 accomplices with 191 counts of murder for deaths that occurred between 2021 and 2023.
Investigations Underway as Nation Watches Closely
Authorities are now probing the activities of the St. Joseph Mission of Africa Church, with many wondering whether this could be another extremist cult preying on vulnerable worshippers. As the rescued group remains in protective custody, Kenya watches to see whether a deeper crisis is unfolding.
