Family locked in fresh court battle over exhuming GSU son buried secretly in church

The church came into the limelight in March when police raided its premises following a tip-off from the public about secret burials conducted there.

During the raid, 57 people were taken into custody as investigations were launched into the church’s alleged ‘cult-like’ activities.

Ayoo’s family’s quest to grant their kin a befitting burial has since been met with protracted court battles involving the church and his widow.

On August 8, the Rongo Magistrate’s Court granted the family’s wishes, ordering the exhumation of Ayoo’s remains. However, the ruling was immediately appealed by his wife, Lillian Atieno, at the High Court.

Also Read: Inside Rongo doomsday sect: Son of dead follower reveals horrific life in isolated church

The widow filed her appeal at the Migori High Court on the same day the ruling was delivered, seeking to stop the exhumation orders.

The High Court went on to grant the prayers of the appellants – the widow and the St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church – and scheduled the case for mention on September 22, further delaying justice.

Before his death, Ayoo had worked as a General Service Unit (GSU) officer in Nairobi since 2006.

According to court documents, the family later travelled to Nairobi and had the Ayoo admitted to St Elizabeth Chiga Hospital.

The deceased’s family told the courts that his widow and the church had facilitated his escape from hospital and transferred him to the St Joseph Missions of Messiah Church for prayers.

Ayoo’s family further told the courts that his wife and the church hurriedly buried him without their knowledge.

On August 8, Rongo Principal Magistrate Chrispine Orwo issued a ruling allowing the bereaved family to inter their son’s remains.

The widow has, however, challenged the ruling, arguing that Ayoo had sold his land.