This archive report was first published on 8 September 2019.
Thousands of Legio Maria faithfuls have started arriving at the church's headquarters and Shrine at Got Kwer in Migori for the annual pilgrimage, amidst fears of a potential clash between two factions claiming leadership of the church.
According to the Sunday Standard, the faithfuls, dressed in multi-coloured robes and carrying wooden crosses and swords, arrived on foot, motorcycles, bicycles, and vehicles at the shrine where their 'Messiah' Melkio was buried in 1991.
Beefed-up security was deployed around Got Kwer amid concerns that the two factions, led by 'Pope' Raphael Adika and Romanus Ongombe, could clash during the pilgrimage.
Speaking to the Sunday Standard on phone, 'Pope' Raphael Adika allayed fears of tension, saying the pilgrimage program was going on smoothly.
He stated that the faithful started arriving on Thursday for the prayers, which would be followed by long processions from Amoyo Jerusalem to Got Kwer on September 11 and 12.
However, some church leaders are still not satisfied with the court ruling, which reinstated Adika as the leader of the Legio Maria of East Africa Church Mission.
Migori Police Commander Joseph Nthenge assured that they would ensure there is calm during the pilgrimage, saying, 'They must ensure they maintain peace, they must follow what they signed in court.'
