For nearly two decades, millions of Kenyans have been deceived by men and women posing as people of God, who are in reality criminals wearing clerical robes.
These pastors, who stage theatrical dramas in their churches under the guise of miracles, have robbed poor Kenyans of billions of shillings. They use their illicit proceeds to build vast mansions, purchase fleets of limousines, and buy apartments across Kenya’s major towns.
The Bible in Matthew 7:15 warns, “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Sadly, even mainstream churches in Kenya, including Catholic and Protestant congregations, are not free of these ravenous wolves. In time, we will expose them one by one to free the flock.
For now, let us concentrate on ten prominent Kenyan pastors who are criminals in robes and who deserve, at the very least, to be behind bars.
These unscrupulous pastors have grown rich by selling fake miracles, as seen in a recent TV exposé that unmasked a bearded pastor as a proven fraudster. Mothers, widowers, and husbands have lost their life savings seeking miracles from these criminals, while a government, corrupt to its core, does nothing to protect the gullible public.
Without further delay, here are ten pastors who are criminals in clerical garments and who deserve to rot in hell, let alone jail.
1. Pastor David Owuor
This long-bearded figure is a master of the religious con game, operating under “The Ministry of Repentance and Holiness.” Calling him a criminal is an understatement.
He has been exposed for paying amateurs to perform fake miracles, falsely claiming to raise the dead, cure HIV, and heal the disabled.
An exposé by TV 47 revealed the truth: he is a miscreant in a robe, running an elaborate scheme to make money. Pastor Owuor lives extravagantly in a multi-billion shilling home in Runda and owns a fleet of cars fit for a Saudi prince. It is also alleged that he spends his nights enjoying Nairobi’s nightlife, funded by his victims’ money, while they live in poverty.
2. Pastor Ezekiel Odero
This man’s criminal enterprise is based at his New Life Prayer Centre in Mavueni, Malindi. Kilifi County is one of Kenya’s poorest regions, and Ezekiel uses his deceitful prowess to exploit the local population, amassing wealth to become one of the richest pastors in Kenya. In a nation with real rule of law, Mavueni would be declared a crime scene and its pastor locked away for a long time. He conducts his trade using “holy water,” staged miracles with amateur actors, and carefully managed special effects. Recently, he prophesied his own death this February. If he is a true man of God, we will see if this prophecy is divine or as moronic as his usual claims.
3. Pastor Victor Kanyari
This man is not a pastor but a hoodlum using a church as a front. His “Salvation Healing Ministry” is a money-making venture, not a house of worship. The Bible in John 2:16 says, “Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace.” Kanyari has done exactly that, selling everything from women to mutura (sausages) on the premises. If Jesus Christ were to return today, Kanyari’s church would be destroyed along with his gullible followers.
4. Reverend Lucy Natasha
The founder of the Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) in Nairobi, she is known for performing miracles and stunts. Reports suggest she employs Nigerians linked to a global fake miracles syndicate monitored by Interpol and the US government. Like her counterparts, she uses fake miracles, prayers, and crusades to mint millions from her supporters. The Bible says in Jeremiah 23:1-2, “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” She is another of the “ravenous wolves” scripture warns about.
5. Prophetess Teresiah Wairimu Njenga
Founder of Synagogue Hope Church in Kasarani, this so-called prophetess is another criminal in robes. Her church preys on the poor from neighborhoods like Korogocho, Dandora, Mwiki, and Marurui. To amplify her reach, she uses popular radio and TV stations to expand her business of exploiting God’s word for profit. 2 Corinthians 2:17 states, “We do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.” Her actions are the opposite of this teaching.
6. Pastor Manyuru
A veteran of fake miracles, this pastor has amassed millions through his Jesus Teaching Ministry in Nairobi. He started his deceitful trade in downtown Nairobi alongside others like Pius Muiru and Margaret Wanjiru, whose influence has waned. Manyuru sells “holy water” and performs staged miracles, targeting followers from poor areas like Pipeline, Soweto, Mukuru, and parts of Donholm.
7. Bishop Edward Mwai
This fake pastor has deceived millions, aided by his association with the current head of state. His Jesus Winner Ministry is based in Roysambu, Nairobi.
Last year, he made headlines after President Ruto gifted him Sh 20 million, sparking public anger over misplaced priorities when hospitals lack basic drugs. His gullible followers come from Githurai, Mwiki, Marurui, and Kamae. The bishop is also allegedly constructing a mega-church on grabbed land in Roysambu.
8. Bishop Jeremiah Waweru
Founder of a church along the Thika Superhighway (slowly relocating to Dandora), he is another seller of fake miracles and “holy water.” This is a lucrative, tax-free business, as the Kenya Revenue Authority does not tax income from these fraudulent spiritual commodities.
9. Bishop Harrison Ng’ang’a
Founder of Christian Foundation Fellowship (CFF), he may not perform fake miracles, but his love for money is evident. 1 Timothy 6:10 says, “For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” Bishop Ng’ang’a is also alleged to warn pastors in his child churches against giving “small tithes,” as his church network spreads across the country.
10. Bishop Muriithi of House of Grace
The founder of House of Grace Church in Langata is a hardened criminal in robes. He has faced dozens of scandals, including allegations of impregnating members of his congregation. His wife is a partner in these crimes, and together they have amassed great wealth through fake miracles, crusades, and church gatherings.
In summary, these ten individuals are hardened criminals who have exploited the gospel of Christ to enrich themselves instead of spreading the true word. We know there are many more small-time criminals in robes across the country—their time will come too.
We leave these false pastors with a message from the Book of Ezekiel 22:27-28, which condemns Jerusalem’s corrupt leaders and prophets: “Its officials were like wolves tearing prey, shedding blood to make dishonest profit, while its prophets whitewashed these deeds with false visions and lying divinations.‘
Coming next: Top Ten Best Pastors in Kenya. They Preach The Gospel Of Christ
