On Friday, a multi-agency security team uncovered graveyards at a Kisumu church accused of holding mentally ill people captive.

The team, which included DCI detectives, ODPP officials, and Kisumu County Public Health Officers, stormed controversial preacher John Pesa's Holy Ghost Coptic Church in Kisumu after receiving reports that some of the aforementioned people had died and been buried on the premises.

PHOTO | COURTESY Preacher John Pesa

A Kisumu court approved the operation, which resulted in the rescue of three ailing people discovered on the grounds.

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"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 and suspicion that some may have died and been irregularly buried on the church grounds," the ODPP said in a statement.

PHOTO | COURTESY Preacher John Pesa

"During the operation, two (2) grave-like spots were discovered on the grounds behind the church, and three (3) suspected sick victims were rescued and taken to the hospital for medical assessment and treatment."

The investigations are still ongoing.