Church Crackdown Launched After Discovery of Bodies in Nyanza
Authorities in the Nyanza region have launched a major crackdown on unregistered churches following a disturbing incident where bodies were discovered and several people were rescued from a church.
Nyanza Regional Commissioner Flora Mworia made the announcement during a press briefing on Monday, April 29, held at the St. Joseph’s Missions of Messiah church in Migori County.
Mworia stated that this move is aimed at preventing churches from spreading misleading religious teachings and dangerous practices to the public.
The region involved in the crackdown includes six counties: Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira.
She urged the public to cooperate with security agencies in order to help the government eliminate rogue churches operating without proper authorization.
“We are going to carry out a thorough operation targeting all churches that are not registered,” she said.
“We cannot allow any form of radicalization in our communities. Anyone running a church must ensure it is legally registered and operating within the law.”
Mworia added that public participation is essential in identifying suspicious activities in local churches. She said police officers and chiefs cannot be present in every area at all times, so community members should report anything unusual.
“It is important for all of us to stay alert and report what is happening around us,” she emphasized. “The information shared by members of the public is extremely valuable in keeping our communities safe.”
The Regional Commissioner also warned that any government official found aiding or protecting illegal churches will also face legal consequences.
She noted that reports have emerged of some public officers working with unlicensed churches, which may be fueling religious radicalization.
“It is quite unfortunate that we have received information about government officers colluding with these churches to break the law,” she said. “We will not only crack down on the churches themselves but also on any officials involved in these illegal activities.”
This crackdown follows a shocking incident that occurred on Sunday, April 20, when members of the Rongo sub-county security and intelligence team raided the St. Joseph’s Missions of Messiah church.
During the operation, they discovered two dead bodies within the church compound.
According to a police report filed on Tuesday, April 22, by Kamagambo Police Station, one of the bodies was found inside a prayer room.
The deceased was wrapped in a white robe and grey sheets, and had visible injuries on the face, along with foam coming from the mouth.
Police said the scene was properly documented and the body was transferred to Rosewood Mortuary, where a postmortem examination is expected to be carried out.
In addition to the deceased, police found 57 individuals ranging in age from 5 to 77 years old living in the church premises. They were described as being weak and frail, raising concerns about possible neglect or abuse.
When the group was taken to Rongo sub-county Hospital for medical treatment, they reportedly refused to cooperate with doctors and began singing religious songs.
Medical officers were forced to recommend their removal from the hospital as their behavior was disrupting other patients. They were then taken to the local police station to await further instructions.
The entire operation was triggered by a tip-off from the Assistant Chief of Kanyadiedo sub-location, who had observed suspicious activities at the church and alerted the authorities.
This incident has raised serious questions about how some churches are operating in the region and highlighted the urgent need for stronger oversight.
The government’s upcoming crackdown seeks to bring accountability, prevent radical practices, and protect vulnerable people who may be exploited under the guise of religion.
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