Constable Dan Obura, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer based in Nairobi, fell ill last month at his home in Rongo, Migori County, but subsequent events raised suspicions and he died within hours.
On the night of March 27, his condition deteriorated, but questions have arisen as to why, instead of being rushed to hospital, he taken for 'spiritual healing' at a local church.
The family of a GSU officer who died and was buried in a church compound seek help from the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner in Rongo, Migori County, on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
Without urgent medical attention, Obura died before reaching the church – a development that has raised suspicions in the quiet village of Opapo.
More bizarrely, Obura was buried within hours on the grounds of St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church.
In a region where burial customs often require weeks of mourning, his speedy funeral has fuelled anger and suspicion.
Members of the public on April 11, 2025 confront members of St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church in Opapo Village in Rongo, Migori County.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation Media Group
Obura's paternal family, from Kadibo and Nyando in Kisumu County, say they were kept in the dark about his burial.
Last Friday, they stormed the church demanding that the body be exhumed and moved to the family's ancestral land.
Police fired tear gas to separate warring relatives, church members and an angry public.
Members of the public try to force their way into St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa Church in Opapo Village in Rongo, Migori County on April 11, 2025. The body of a GSU officer was buried within the church compound.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
“This church is hiding something,” said Ms Eunice Opondo, a relative. “We believe that many more people, including a child of the deceased, are buried here."
“We suspect the church may be promoting radical or superstitious beliefs. It is unacceptable the way they buried a serving police officer, without his colleagues or honours," she added.
Authorities in Migori confirmed that a burial permit had been issued by an administrator who claims he was misled and had no idea the body would be buried on church grounds.
“We are investigating how the permit was used and why the burial was conducted this way,” said Rongo Deputy County Commissioner George Matundura. “Only a court order can allow the family to exhume the body, and we will provide security if that happens."
The family of a GSU officer who died and was buried in a church compound seek help from the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner in Rongo, Migori County, on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
He went on: “So far, we have established that only two people, the church’s founder and Obura, are buried there. But we are not taking any chances.”
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) is also investigating the church's activities, including whether it is registered and conducting funerals legally.
The family of a GSU officer who died and was buried in a church compound seek help from the Office of the Deputy County Commissioner in Rongo, Migori County, on April 11, 2025.
Photo credit: George Odiwuor | Nation
As tensions simmer in Opapo, residents warn that further delays could lead to more unrest.
“The government must act swiftly before things spiral out of control,” said Nelly Atieno, a resident.
Efforts to reach church leaders were unsuccessful as the facility is heavily guarded and largely closed to outsiders.
