A controversial practice by the Legio Maria Church in western Kenya has sparked outrage and widespread condemnation after revelations emerged that the church mandates the removal of six lower teeth from its members. The bizarre act, according to the sect, is aimed at helping God identify them more easily at the gates of heaven.
The Legio Maria Church, a breakaway African-initiated religious movement among the Luo people, is known for its unconventional doctrines. It holds the belief that its members are the only ones destined for heaven. As part of this belief, adherents reportedly undergo the painful dental ritual as a spiritual marker for divine recognition upon death.
Founded in the 1960s, the sect regards Baba Simeo Lodvikus Melkio as their eternal spiritual leader—a self-proclaimed reincarnation of Jesus Christ in African form. He is revered as the Black Messiah and considered a divine mediator by the church. The sect’s doctrine mirrors elements of Catholicism, particularly its veneration of Mary, whom they refer to as “Queen” and “Mother.”
However, the practice of enforced tooth removal has drawn sharp criticism from across Africa and beyond. Social media platforms have been inundated with disapproving reactions, with many users decrying the act as cruel, irrational, and deeply exploitative.
@Jompe Ola-Vincent Godwin wrote, “If God has blessed you with common sense, always thank Him. It’s now obvious that millions lack it.”
Another commenter, @Anthony Etok, lamented, “Some people’s sicknesses are beyond medication. Not everyone you see is normal.”
@Faramade Omowumi added sarcastically, “Only God knows what curse befell Africa. I hope their yeye messiah also removed his own teeth. If not, they should use a hammer on him!”
The Kenyan authorities are yet to issue an official statement, but civil society groups and rights advocates are calling for a probe into the church’s activities and possible human rights violations. As the outcry grows louder, so too does the call for religious reform and the protection of vulnerable populations from extremist indoctrination under the guise of faith.
