UPDATE March 20, 11:48 a.m: The leadership of Jesus Winner Ministries Church on Friday, March 20, disowned pastor Nathan Kirimi for issuing misleading statements to the congregants on the coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement issued through the ministry's channel, the bishop stated that Kirimi's sentiments were unlawful and against the government's efforts to try and contain the virus.
“The management, board and the secretary of Jesus Winner Ministry wish to inform Kenyans that the statements made by Rev Nathan Kirimi of Meru are his personal opinions and do not reflect the official position of the church," a part of the statement read.
Additionally, the bishop stated that Kirimi had been warned several times against misconduct.
“Rev Kirimi has no position in the national or regional council of the church. These are personal opinions. This is not a matter to be taken lightly because the disease has killed many and affected the entire world,” he stated.
A Meru-based pastor by the name Nathan Kirimi has angered a section of Kenyans after he stated that the spread of Coronavirus was a hoax.
Through a press conference, the Jesus Winner Ministries pastor stated that God had revealed to him that Covid-19 was not real.
"The Lord has told me that there is no disease like Coronavirus," he stated.
Kirimi further stated the disease was a test and God wanted to know his true followers and those who truly believed in him.
"If indeed there is such a disease, then, I should be taken where I can contract it and if I get it, then, you should know that there is no prophet in Kenya," he concluded.
The pastor further stated that he would not close his church despite the outbreak.
His remarks were not taken well by a section of Kenyans.
"He should be behind bars by now. How can he mislead people in the name of God?" Cate Mugambi questioned.
"Seriously, did he forget he is an influential leader to his followers," Catherine Mbaya wondered.
"I respect men of cloth but this one should be charged for this," Salesio stated.
{"preview_thumbnail":"/files/styles/video_embed_wysiwyg_preview/public/video_thumbnails/x7stlou.jpg?itok=FQI7cpsJ","video_url":"
During a press briefing on Thursday, March 19, Health CS Mutahi Kagwe asked journalists to continue educating the public on the effects of the disease.
"I urge you to continue to educate and affirm that this situation is real. It cannot be unreal in Kenya while it is real in Italy, China, United States and Spain.
"Coronavirus is not something to joke with. Sometimes we get baffled by some of the reactions we are getting. Please, let's take this matter seriously," Mutahi stated.
In a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta at State House on Thursday, March 19, he directed law enforcement agencies to arrest individuals spreading false information about the pandemic.
Additionally, the media was congratulated during the meeting for relaying correct information and creating awareness.
Further, the Cabinet praised media outlets for airing educational programs for school children.
As part of the efforts by the government to protect Kenyans from exploitation by wayward traders, the Cabinet directed security and consumer protection agencies to intensify the ongoing crackdown on businesses that are taking advantage of the Coronavirus outbreak to hoard or hike commodity prices.
