By Jabali Media
Police in Rongo, Migori County have seemingly prevented ‘another Shakahola’ like incident, after managing to rescue over 50 worshippers, among them children from a ‘church’ compound.
According to a police report under Occurrence Book (OB) Ref. Ob no.56/21/4/25, an alarm was raised by one Abiud Rariende, the assistant chief of Kanyadiedo Sub location, East Kamagambo, after one person died in a suspicious manner at St. Joseph Missions of Africa ‘church.’
The administrator raised an alarm at about 1825 hours on Monday, before police swung into action.
The Sub-County security and intelligence committee, led by the area Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) proceeded to the scene and found the lifeless body of one Francis Muli lying on the floor of a prayer room within the compound.
“The body was fully covered in a white rob and wrapped in a grey sheet. When inspected, it had some injuries on the face and foam was oozing from the mouth,” a police report reads in part.
“The scene was processed and necessary action was taken. The body was moved to Rosewood mortuary pending postmortem,” adds the report.
Incidentally, another body was recovered from the same place earlier in the day.
Police officers conducted a search in the ‘church’ and managed to rescue 57 people, including children aged 5, 8, 9 and 10.
Here is the full list of those rescued:
1. Erick Ouma, 28 years old
2. Thomas Otieno, 30
3. Elizabeth Odhiambo, 55
4. Peres Anyango, 42
5. Lilian Atieno Olal, 40
6. Elijah Odhiambo, 16
7. Joakim Ochieng Dwea, 44
8. Jennifer Atieno, 45
9. Roselyne Atieno, 32
10. Evaline Gemamo, 45
11. Gideon Otieno, 33
12. Syphrose Akinyi, 22
13. Rose Achieng, 29
14. Hellen Achieng, 36
15. Susan Atieno, 50
16. Clarice Were, 77
17. Elizabeth Akinyi, 40
18. Jacinta Achieng, 26
19. Rosemary Ogana, 47
A police vehicle during a past operation. Photo/Courtesy
20. Eunice Akoth, 22
21. Brenda Winnie, 18
22. Charity Achieng, 18
23. Esther Cathy, 10
24. Ogelo ochieng, 5
25. Michael Onyango, 49
26. Olivia Atieno, 28
27. Shauline Mary, 8
28. Joyce Litizia, 9
29. Alex Ochieng, 14
30. Clinton Omondi, 12
31. Felix Ochieng, 13
32. Anyango Lucia, unknown age
33. George Ochieng, unknown age
34. Leninas Akinyi, 42
35. Lenorah Waana, unknown age
36. Salome Atieno, unknown age
37. Martha Atieno, unknown age
38. Legio Maria, 30
39. Obila William, 51
40. Mailena Awuor, 32
41. Luka Ochieng, 50
42. James, 75
43. Evaline Athielas, 34
44. Mary Atieno, 20
45. Jaulita Hallelujah, 30
46. Waima Hallelujah, unknown age
47. Opalu Manyanda, 50
48. Magnyada Hallelujah, 50
49. Evaline Akinyi, 40
50. Elizabeth Oulo, 45
51. Mary Hallelujah, unknown age
52. Lagi Hallelujah, 43
53. Josephine Sere, unknown age
54. Pongo, unknown age
55. Nyatega, 45
56. Isack Oslo, 34
57. Maclaine Oulo, unknown age
They were escorted to the Rongo sub -County hospital for medical attention. However, they allegedly flatly refused to be examined by medical officers and instead “began to make noise, and sing religious songs.”
When they persisted, the medical officers advised that the group be taken away from the hospital, since they were disturbing other patients at the facility.
They were taken to the police station to await further directives. The incident comes days after the family of a General Service Unit (GSU) officer accompanied by human rights defenders, invaded the 'church' in search of his body.
Constable Dan Ayoo Obura reportedly died at the 'church' while being prayed for after he fell ill, before his body was allegedly burried in the compound.
Two years ago, over 400 people died after being involved in a ‘fast to death to meet Jesus,’ within Shakahola forest in Kilifi County.
Paul Mackenzie, leader of the Good News International ‘church’ who reportedly ordered his followers into the fast, is among several people behind bars over the incident.
