File image of police and faithful at Melkio St Joseph’s Missions of Messiah Church. Photo/KNA
Published on April 22, 2025
Security officers have rescued 57 sick individuals from the controversial Melkio Joseph Mission Messiah Church in Rongo, Siaya County, following the deaths of two people seeking healing at the facility.
The rescue operation, carried out on Monday night, was led by Rongo Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner George Matundura, who confirmed that the church’s prayer activities have been halted indefinitely. He further noted that additional legal action would be taken against the church leadership.
“We are taking this matter seriously. Two people have died at this church within a week. We cannot allow this to continue,” said Matundura.
The church has now been placed under police surveillance as investigations continue.
Tensions escalated earlier in the day when a family from Nyamira County stormed the church demanding the release of their kin’s body. The deceased reportedly died at the church while seeking healing. The family claimed the church, allegedly with support from the deceased’s daughter Jacita Achieng, intended to bury the man at the church compound, a plan they strongly opposed.
Jacita Achieng, who has lived at the church for over ten years, insists her late father left a will stating he should be buried at the church.
The incident has raised serious questions about the church’s practices and how it treats followers who are vulnerable and ill.
