Hon Shakila is Thorough in Whatever she does
The Ad Hoc Committee, led by Senator Shakila Abdalla, which is tasked with investigating the proliferation of Religious Organizations and the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths in Shakahola, made a significant move by visiting Kisumu County. The committee’s objective was to engage with various stakeholders, including the County Security and Intelligence Committee, families of the victims, local religious leaders, and non-governmental organizations, in order to gather vital information and insights related to the ongoing investigation.
During the visit, the committee addressed a wide range of issues, including missing person reports, the operations of specific religious organizations, victim reintegration, regulatory frameworks, and the roles of religious leaders and non-governmental organizations. This comprehensive approach aims to shed light on the underlying issues and devise effective strategies to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The committee had the opportunity to meet with the Kisumu Security Committee Team, who provided crucial information regarding two specific religious groups in Kisumu County, their activities, and individuals who have gone missing or been rescued.
One of the organizations discussed was the Good News International Church (GNI), led by Paul Mackenzie, which reportedly had a significant number of supporters in the Usoma area. Notably, this church operated without a physical building, with congregants gathering at various locations. The teachings of GNI focused on spiritual preparation for the second coming of Jesus Christ and the renunciation of material possessions. Shockingly, some members were enticed to travel to the coastal region with promises of spiritual guidance and fellowship. Disturbingly, two pioneer pastors, Erick Sebastian Opongo and Patrick Ojwang, along with their families, mysteriously vanished under these circumstances.
Further, the committee was apprised of the Kisumu Coptic Church, led by John Pesa, a former Catholic priest. This church claimed to possess the ability to cast out demons and heal mental challenges. Troublingly, individuals suffering from mental issues, drug addiction, land disputes, and marital conflicts were reportedly held captive on the church premises. These victims endured unhygienic living conditions, inadequate sustenance, and even missed meals. It is worth noting that previous attempts to shut down the church have proven unsuccessful.
In addition to these revelations, the committee held meetings with families who have experienced the anguish of missing loved ones. Kennedy Otieno Gogo, his wife, and their four children were reported missing and later discovered in Shakahola Forest. While Kennedy was receiving treatment at Malindi District Hospital, his wife and children remained unaccounted for.
Another harrowing case involved John Otieno Ogutu, an unmarried man who went missing after leaving his home to embark on a fast. It was revealed that he was sighted in Malindi, leading his mother to suspect his involvement in the Shakahola incidents.
The committee’s report includes contact information for the affected families and highlights their prior religious affiliations. Furthermore, it sheds light on additional missing persons and victims from Nyakach and Kisumu Central sub-counties, providing a more comprehensive overview of the situation.
In response to these grave revelations, religious organizations urged the government not to resort to heavy-handed policing, but instead called for assistance in developing self-regulating mechanisms. On the other hand, non-governmental organizations emphasized the need for a separate registrar of societies, dedicated solely to the registration and oversight of religious organizations.
As the Ad Hoc Committee continues its investigation, it is hoped that the gathered information and insights will pave the way for meaningful reforms and effective measures to safeguard the well-being of citizens.
Senator Shakila Abdalla was accompanied by Senators, including Tabitha Mutinda, and Veronicah Nduati. The Kisumu County Team was led by Kisumu County Acting Commission Hussein Hussein.”
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