Bishop Arrested in Kisii for Allegedly Conning Followers Ksh 1.4 Million

Bishop Samson Obonyo, a self-proclaimed General Overseer of the Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship of Africa Church (PEFA) in Kisii, was arrested on May 23, 2023, following allegations of financial misconduct. The arrest came after multiple complaints from over 15 individuals who claimed that Obonyo had defrauded them of approximately Ksh 1.4 million. The complaints centered on the promise of securing visas and employment abroad, with a facilitation fee of Ksh 30,000 per person.

According to a police report obtained by Citizen Digital, more than 20 youth from PEFA church gathered at Kisii Central police station to share their experiences. They described how Obonyo had assured them of opportunities overseas, leading to significant financial loss. The police report detailed the alleged scheme, which involved the collection of fees under the pretense of facilitating international travel and employment.

Obonyo, who was in custody at Kisii police station, denied direct responsibility for the alleged financial misconduct. He stated that other members of the church leadership should be held accountable for the offense. He also expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation, offering his phone for scrutiny to identify any suspicious transactions.

Obonyo further explained that there had been a plan to transport youths abroad for employment, but the process was halted due to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the initiative was not his personal endeavor but part of a broader church effort.

Kisii County Police Commander Charles Kases revealed that some victims were compelled to travel to Nairobi for medical checkups. During these visits, fake doctors were allegedly involved to provide false assurances of approval for international travel. This detail underscores the complexity of the alleged scheme and the potential involvement of multiple parties in the alleged misconduct.

The case highlights the need for accountability and transparency within religious institutions, particularly those that engage in financial transactions with their members. It also raises concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals through false promises and deceptive practices. The ongoing investigation aims to clarify the extent of the alleged misconduct and determine the appropriate legal actions.

Source: Read the original report