A Kenyan pastor, Bishop Climate Irungu Wiseman was on Monday, August 16, charged at a London court, United Kingdom, for selling a fake cure for Covid-19.
Irungu appeared before the Lavender Hill Magistrates' Court where he responded to charges levelled against him by the prosecution.
Wiseman is charged with fraud and unfair trading offences.
He stands accused of packaging and selling a concoction that he presented to unsuspecting members of his church as a cure for the coronavirus.
Wiseman packaged a mixture of cedarwood and hyssop in a small bottle as a small bottle and a piece of red yarn which he sold as a "plague protection kit".
He claimed that it could be used to treat, prevent, protect against or cure the virus.
The religious leader sold each kit for Ksh13,671 (£91 ).
The head of the Kingdom Church in Camberwell allegedly made the claims in person, online, in instructional videos and through testimonial videos.
Prosecutor Ryan Thompson disclosed that investigations revealed that the Kenyan had his followers in the UK that the oil had cured 10 people.
He further stated that the oil posed a risk of harm and even death to those who had bought it.
Wiseman's lawyer argued that the case involved the freedom to practise religion. His client pleaded not guilty to the charge of fraud and two other charges.
The case was sent to the Inner London Crown Court and will be heard on September 13, 2021.
