Four remain in custody as 49 released in controversial Rongo church case

Questions as residents blame government for laxity over a controversial church at Opapo, Rongo Sub-County in Migori County. (Photo by Anne Atieno)

Four individuals will remain in custody while 49 members of a controversial church in Rongo have been released following a court order.

Among those still in custody are two directors of the St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa church, along with two church members.

The release of the 49 comes even as police continue investigations into the activities of the church.

During a court session at the Rongo Law Courts, Resident Magistrate Susan Mutava ordered the release of the church members who had been detained at various police stations within Migori County. She had earlier issued an order on 24 April 2025 for them to be held for 30 days.

However, their early release followed a directive from a Migori High Court judge instructing the magistrate to consider granting bond to worshippers not directly linked to the offences under investigation.

Lady Justice Ann Ong’injo, in orders dated 9 May 2025, stated that continued detention for 30 days was excessive.

"The investigating officer is to provide a progress report on the status of investigations before the detention order is extended, as continuous detention for 30 days is rather too long," read part of Justice Ong’injo’s ruling.

She further directed the trial magistrate to interrogate and consider releasing on bond those worshippers who were not directly involved and who were not residing at the church.

Following the directive, Magistrate Mutava ordered that two students be released to their guardians and allowed to resume school at Winyo Secondary School in Rongo Sub-county, Migori County.

According to the magistrate, the remaining 47 church members were released on bond and required to report to the Rongo Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) office once a week and sign a personal bond.

“The suspects’ advocate will stand as surety,” Mutava ruled.

She also cautioned the worshippers not to return to the church, as it remained a crime scene.

The two directors and the other two worshippers, who are believed to have played key roles in the church, will know their fate on 23 May 2025 when the matter is mentioned for further directions.