The Legion Maria of African Church has condemned cultic religious practices after 57 indisposed people were rescued in Rongo, Migori County.
In a press statement dated April 24, the church said the confinement of the sick people within a church compound is not acceptable.
“The Legion Maria of African Church Mission Episcopal Conference expresses deep sorrow and condemnation regarding the tragic events recently reported at St Joseph Missions of Messiah in Africa Church, located in Kochola Village, Rongo, Migori County, Kenya.
“The discovery of deceased individuals within the church compound and the confinement of 57 others in deteriorating condition is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. These acts are not only contrary to the values of Christian faith but also to the sanctity of human life,” the statement read.
The church has called out misuse of religious freedoms when individuals are denied the chance to seek medical attention with the promise of spiritual devotion.
“It is a tragic misuse of religious freedom when individuals are denied their right to seek medical attention under the guise of spiritual devotion. We wish to state unequivocally: faith and medicine are not adversaries; they are partners. God works through both miracles and medicine. As it is written:
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” – Luke 5:31
“Let us be clear, going to the hospital is not a sin. Denying medical care, manipulating believers, or confining them under false spiritual pretenses is not only unethical but bears the marks of cultism, which Scripture firmly warns against:
“But there were also false prophets among the people… They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” – 2 Peter 2:1,” the statement added.
The church added that seeking treatment is never a sin and that denying followers such a chance is manipulation.
“Let us be clear, going to the hospital is not a sin. Denying medical care, manipulating believers, or confining them under false spiritual pretenses is not only unethical but bears the marks of cultism, which Scripture firmly warns against:
“But there were also false prophets among the people… They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” – 2 Peter 2:1
“We call on all Christian communities—both in Kenya and around the world—to self-regulate, uphold transparency, and ensure that places of worship are sanctuaries of peace, compassion, and truth—not sites of fear, coercion, or manipulation,” it added.
Pretense of holiness
It added that no church has the moral or spiritual authority to hold people hostage within its premises under the pretense of holiness. The church also affirmed its commitment to both divine healing and scientific medicine.
“Let those who are unwell be free to seek medical help, and let intercessory prayers support their journey to recovery. In closing, we reiterate our full condemnation of the events in Rongo, just as we condemned the Shakahola Massacre. Every life is sacred and irreplaceable.
“No act of faith should jeopardize human dignity or endanger life. As shepherds of God’s flock, we are called to lead in truth and love—not in fear and deception. Let us all rise in unity—churches, governments, communities, and families—to protect, nurture, and uplift every soul entrusted to our care,” it concluded.
