Four individuals will remain in custody while 49 members of a controversial church in Rongo have been released following a court order.

Among those still in custody are two directors of the St Joseph Mission of Messiah in Africa church, along with two church members.

The release of the 49 comes even as police continue investigations into the activities of the church.

During a court session at the Rongo Law Courts, Resident Magistrate Susan Mutava ordered the release of the church members who had been detained at various police stations within Migori County.