There was drama and commotion in Rongo, Migori County after locals Stormed the area’s police station and church demanding answers over the death and burial of Dan Ayoo Obura, a GSU officer attached to Nairobi under unusual circumstances.
The agitated residents and family of the deceased angrily stormed the St Joseph Mission of Messiah Church where the officer was buried. Determined to exhume the body, the angry residents brought down the gate and perimeter wall to access the premises.
A serious battle ensued forcing police to intervene. Police at the scene used teargas canisters to disperse the crowd, however, the locals were hellbent on seeking answers.
They retaliated by throwing stones at the police officers as they engaged in running battles within the compound.
Residents who spoke to the media accused the security forces of working in cahoots with the church amid serious claims that several bodies have been buried in the church with the approval of the area chief.
The deceased’s family wondered why the security forces would allow one of their own to be buried in what they described as an unusual and disrespectful manner.
“Sisi tunauliza kwa nini serikali inaezaa kuacha mwenzao, mtu ambaye ni mfanyikazi mwenzao, hakuna hata mtu anashugulika; anazikwa kama mbwa ilhali wanajua vizuri ya kwamba kweli, hivi vile mwenzao amezikwa sio vizuri,” Geoffrey Ochieng, the late officer’s relative said.
On their part, police assured the family that the matter was under investigation and any findings would be submitted to the public once confirmation is done.
“Kama department ya interior, kuna manna tunataka tuwaambie, tumeongea na tumeelewana, tunataka tufuate njia ambayo ni ya kisheria kusuluhisha hii maneno,” the area deputy county commissioner said.
“There are a lot of rumors going around that there are several people who have been buried in that church, we are not aware of that information,” he added.
As the family seeks court order over the issue, the area locals have vowed to return until the officer’s body is exhumed.
Officer’s death
Ayoo died on March 27, 2025, after falling ill and his body was laid to rest the following day.
His wife revealed that the officer had fallen ill while they were home, prompting her to take him to church for prayers.
He, however, died on their way to church. The following day, she obtained a burial permit at the local assistant chief, who is said to have been unaware of the burial location.
Accompanied by a group of women from church, the deceased’s wife proceeded to bury Ayoo in the church compound, stating that it is in accordance with their religious rites.
The rest of the family however disputed this affirming that the late officer had been radicalized by the church’s teachings.
They reported the issue to authorities demanding answers.