Authorities in Kericho County’s Ainamoi constituency are conducting an investigation into alleged cult-like practices at a church near Brooke Trading Centre.
The probe was initiated following a disturbing incident involving three pupils from a school within the Browns Plc tea estate, who reportedly exhibited signs of possession after receiving necklaces and key holders during a prayer session at the church. According to Rhoda Kanyi, the Kericho East Directorate of Criminal Investigations Officer, the school’s head teacher reported that the pupils began displaying unusual behaviour upon their return, including convulsions and incoherent speech. The situation prompted school officials to organize an intervention prayer session, during which video footage captured the affected students rolling on the ground and making unintelligible sounds.
Further investigation revealed that the pupils had received mysterious items during their church visit, which appeared to trigger their unusual behaviour. The school staff subsequently confiscated and destroyed these items, after which the pupils reportedly returned to their normal state. Kanyi explains that they are investigating the church for potentially engaging in cult-like activities that seem to have affected these pupils. She notes that appropriate legal action will be taken against the church leadership should they uncover evidence of suspicious religious practices.
This incident is not unprecedented in Kericho. A similar case occurred previously at another school within the multinational tea estates, where pupils refused to participate in examinations after attending sermons focused on end times at a different church. These students also avoided technological devices, claiming they were channels of evil. The situation was eventually resolved through counselling interventions, enabling the pupils to resume their studies and complete their examinations.
The local community in the Ainamoi constituency remains concerned as authorities continue their probe. Parents and educators have expressed particular worry about the safety and well-being of their children, prompting local authorities to encourage residents to report any suspicious activities. In response to these events, the Ministry of Education has called for increased vigilance in schools and enhanced student monitoring. Educational institutions have been directed to provide comprehensive guidance and counselling services to affected students.
