Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers unearthed gravelike sites during a search operation at the Coptic Holy Ghost Church in Kisumu, managed by Father John Pesa.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), in a statement dated Friday, August 4, indicated that the DCI will exhume the graves in the coming days as investigations into the operations of the church continue.
ODPP and DCI conducted a search operation at the church after the pastor was accused of detaining the sick.
"During the operation, two grave-like spots were discovered on the grounds behind the church, and three suspected sick victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical assessment and treatment," ODPP stated.
"This follows a court order that granted the investigating agency authorization to undertake the exercise after several complaints that people with mental challenges were being illegally held within the church premises," the ODPP added.
Detectives also suspect some mentally challenged patients died and were buried at the church grounds without a permit.
Pesa, however, claimed that all patients present at the church willingly gathered to seek healing, with some released after feeling well.
He also argued that the authorities unfairly targeted him without concrete evidence and were afraid of going after other churches hosting the sick.
"Sick people are brought here for healing, and some, after healing, return to their homes, this includes even those with mental cases," he stated.
Pesa has been under scrutiny recently over allegations of illegally detaining mentally ill patients claiming under the pretence of healing them.
It was also alleged that he restrains patients with chains to prevent them from escaping.
The search operation conducted by the agencies comes days after senators visited the church as part of their ongoing investigations into the proliferation of religious organisations.
During the Jun 25 exercise, eight people were rescued and taken to hospital for assessment.
Meanwhile, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua maintained that the government would respect the independence of the church even as the task force formed by President William Ruto continue with its investigations into the proliferation of religious organisations.
“The government respects the Constitution that guarantees the Freedom of Worship. We will never attempt to control the Church. The Church will regulate itself,” he stated.
"It is wrong to condemn the Church because of transgressions of some individuals.”
