The bed where the body had been lying for two months before being discovered.
A shocking incident in Kalenga Ward, Tanzania has left residents stunned after Agnes Mwakijale, a member of El-Huruma Church (EHC), was detained for keeping the decomposing body of her pastor, John Chida, in his home for two months, convinced he would rise again.
Pastor Chida reportedly passed away in early October 2024, but his death only came to light on December 3, when the chairman of Isakalilo ‘C’ Sub-village, Mr Amos Msole, discovered the body.
The 70-year-old clergyman’s remains had significantly decomposed, leaving an unbearable stench that prompted immediate involvement from local authorities.
Faith and misplaced belief
Msole explained that he had grown concerned after residents reported the pastor's ill health in October but were unsure of his whereabouts.
"I stopped by the house while returning from my farm to check on the pastor, as I knew he had been unwell. I asked the woman [who was there] about him, and she insisted he was ‘resting.’ When I entered, I found the decayed body. The stench was unbearable," Msole said
When questioned why she hadn’t reported the death, Agnes explained that the pastor had declared he would "rest temporarily" before returning to life.
She believed this prophecy and continued to care for his remains, regularly cleaning the body, changing its clothes, and tending to it as though he were alive.
A recluse and his convictions
Msole further noted that Pastor Chida had lived reclusively since arriving in the village and founding a branch of the El-Huruma Church in 2022.
Following a trip to Mwanza in mid-2024, his health deteriorated, but he refused medical assistance, asserting that divine intervention would heal him.
His limited interaction with neighbours delayed the discovery of his passing.
Chief Medical Officer at Iringa Regional Referral Hospital, Dr Alfred Mwakalebela.
Expert opinions and ongoing investigations
Iringa Regional Police were alerted, and the body was transferred to Iringa Regional Referral Hospital.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Alfred Mwakalebela, confirmed that the remains were in an advanced state of decomposition.
A local psychologist, Leonard Mgina, argued that Agnes’s behaviour pointed to potential psychological distress or deep-seated religious fervour, suggesting a psychiatric evaluation may be necessary.
Efforts to reach Iringa Regional Police Commander Allen Bukumbi for further comments proved unsuccessful.
Psychologist Leonard Mgina.
The body remains at Iringa Regional Hospital, and investigations are ongoing.
