Court Allows ODPP to Continue Probe into GSU Officer’s Death Linked to Church Leaders

Nairobi, Kenya – The Rongo Magistrate’s Court has granted the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) permission to proceed with investigations into four directors of the St. Joseph’s Missions of Messiah in Africa Churchfollowing the mysterious death and secret burial of a serving police officer.

Circumstances Surrounding the Case

The deceased, Police Constable Dan Ayoo Obura, who served in the General Service Unit (GSU), reportedly died under unclear circumstances before being buried secretly, raising suspicion of foul play.

The burial, conducted without following legal requirements and without notifying the relevant authorities, triggered alarm within law enforcement agencies and prompted a probe into possible criminal cover-up.

Court Proceedings in Rongo

During the hearing, Prosecuting Counsel Juliet Ombogo informed the court that the ODPP sought more time to complete investigations. The court was told that further directions would be issued after the planned exhumation of Obura’s remains, which investigators consider critical to determining the actual cause of death.

The Rongo Magistrate’s Court had earlier authorised the exhumation, but the order has since been appealed at the Migori High Court by the accused persons.

The Accused Church Leaders

Four church directors have been linked to the case:

• Michael Kus Onyango

• Luka Ochieng

• Everline Gemamo

• Lilian Atieno Olal

They are suspected of involvement in the irregular burial and possible concealment of evidence related to the officer’s death. Their legal team argues that the exhumation order infringes on the family’s dignity and religious rights, hence their appeal before the High Court.

Next Steps in the Investigation

The ODPP insists that exhumation remains a necessary step to establish the truth. Forensic examination of Obura’s remains is expected to shed light on whether he died of natural causes or if foul play was involved.

The court is expected to give fresh directions once the High Court rules on the appeal. In the meantime, investigators continue gathering witness statements and other evidence.

Broader Implications

The case has stirred public concern over the role of religious institutions in criminal matters and the safeguards needed to ensure that faith-based organisations do not become shields for unlawful activities.

For the police service, the incident raises questions about officer welfare and accountability, particularly when the death of a serving officer goes unreported or is handled in secrecy.

Conclusion

As legal battles unfold between the ODPP and the church directors, the case of Constable Dan Ayoo Obura remains a sensitive and high-stakes matter. The pending exhumation ruling will likely determine the pace and depth of investigations, and whether charges of murder, conspiracy, or unlawful burial will ultimately be brought against the suspects.