Migori Cult Discovery: Two Dead, Dozens Rescued

Kenya is currently confronting a disturbing surge in cult-related incidents, marked by the recent exhumations in Shakahola and ongoing investigations in Migori County. 

These incidents have exposed the devastating impact of extreme religious practices on communities, prompting urgent calls for regulatory oversight and preventative measures. The grim saga of Shakahola Forest in Kilifi County began to unfold in March 2023 when authorities discovered the deaths of two boys whose parents had starved as part of an extreme religious ritual. The subsequent exhumations revealed a staggering number of fatalities, eventually reaching into the hundreds, linked to the Good News International Ministries, founded in 2003 by Paul Mackenzie.

Mackenzie, along with 30 other defendants, now faces 191 counts of murder. Investigations have uncovered that Mackenzie allegedly indoctrinated his followers into extreme practices, including starvation and isolation, leading to their deaths. The cult's manipulative control over its members raised profound concerns about the vulnerability of individuals to religious extremism.

As the investigations into the Shakahola tragedy continue, authorities in Migori County have turned their attention to the Malkio St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church in Opapo village. The deaths of two individuals within the church's compound prompted a police raid, revealing a secretive and highly controlled environment.

During the raid, police discovered the body of Francis Muli in the church’s prayer room. Muli was found clad in a white robe and wrapped in a grey sheet, exhibiting facial injuries and foaming at the mouth—circumstances that warranted further investigation. Earlier that day, another individual, Elly Odoyo, was found dead under similarly suspicious conditions. The exact causes of death remain under investigation, pending post-mortem results.

The raid on the Malkio St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church has brought to light allegations of radicalisation and illegal burial practices. One of the deceased was identified as a police officer, Dan Obura, who reportedly died weeks prior and was buried without the consent or knowledge of his relatives. Elly Odoyo, another deceased individual, is believed to have sustained injuries during a confrontation with locals and later succumbed to complications from those wounds.

Former church members have shared accounts of disturbing indoctrination practices. John Wachara, a former member, reveals that the church's teachings became increasingly radical over time. Wachara’s family suffered as his wife and daughters became devoted followers and left their home to join the church. Tragically, one of Wachara’s daughters died, and another struggled to continue her studies due to the church's influence. 

Despite his efforts to reunite with his family, Wachara ultimately divorced his wife in 2011. Members of the Church have defended their practices, citing their belief in life after death and their tradition of burying followers within the church compound. Some members claim that burial decisions are made with the consent of families and with the issuance of necessary permits. However, these assurances have done little to alleviate public concern over the implications of such practices on community norms and personal freedoms.

Authorities have also expressed concern over the presence of children, some as young as five, living within the church premises. The potential for indoctrination and the need for counselling and rehabilitation are pressing issues, with officials recommending the separation of minors to prevent the perpetuation of harmful teachings. The incidents in Shakahola and Migori underscore a disturbing trend of cult influence in Kenya and the significant harm it inflicts on individuals and families.