57 worshippers rescued from Rongo church to remain in police custody for 30 days

Fifty-seven followers of the Melkio St. Joseph Missions of Messaiha Afrika Church in Rongo, Migori County, will remain in custody for another 30 days as investigations into alleged cultic practices continue.

In her ruling on Thursday, Magistrate Susan Mutava granted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) 30 days to detain them, saying the matter at hand is of great public interest and requires investigations to conclude without interference.

"Uamuzi huo sio sawa kwa sababu hakuna kosa lolote wamefanya,” stated the worshippers’ lawyer Bernard Ochola.

Presiding over a Jukwaa la Usalama baraza involving locals and area administration, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen stated that all chiefs and sub-chiefs within the jurisdiction of Melkio St. Joseph Missions of Messaiha Afrika Church, where two deaths were reported, will be held accountable.

"The chiefs and assistant chiefs in the area must be accountable for information and response to situations touching on their jurisdiction,” said Murkomen.

CS Murkomen stated that the Rongo incident, which he described as radicalisation, could have turned into another Shakahola massacre had the police not acted swiftly in arresting members and shutting down the premises.

"The swift operation and response from the security teams ensured that we arrested the worshippers from taking further illegal acts,” Murkomen added.

The Cabinet is expected to adopt the Mutava Musyimi-led task force report on regulating religious entities before forwarding the Bill to Parliament for consideration.

"The Cabinet committee will soon submit the report to the Cabinet for forwarding to the National Assembly,” Murkomen added.

The 57 worshippers who refused to return home, stating that the only home they recognise is Jerusalem, will be spread across various police stations within Migori County during their detention.