Officials closed a church in Rongo town after reports of deaths and secret burials on church grounds. A family came with police to claim their father's body before church members could bury him inside the property. They rescued 57 people from the building during this operation. Police found two bodies at the site, but need tests to learn how these people died. The church leaders had denied rumors about hidden graves on their land.
The church faced problems before when they buried a GSU officer there on March 28, 2025. One daughter said her father died after locals attacked the church a week earlier. She claimed her uncles took his body against his written wishes to be buried at the church. She feared his spirit might haunt her for not respecting his final request. She asked the government to help make sure her father could rest where he wanted.
A church member defended their group against all accusations. She said they simply practice their faith as allowed under law. She explained that members can choose whether to seek medical care. The member insisted that every burial at the church happened legally with proper permits. She believed people spread false stories about their religious community.
The church faced problems before when they buried a GSU officer there on March 28, 2025. One daughter said her father died after locals attacked the church a week earlier. She claimed her uncles took his body against his written wishes to be buried at the church. She feared his spirit might haunt her for not respecting his final request. She asked the government to help make sure her father could rest where he wanted.
A church member defended their group against all accusations. She said they simply practice their faith as allowed under law. She explained that members can choose whether to seek medical care. The member insisted that every burial at the church happened legally with proper permits. She believed people spread false stories about their religious community.
