After lying low for a while, self-proclaimed Prophet Victor Kanyari is once again in the public limelight for all the wrong reasons, this time being linked to a human sacrifice and baby theft syndicate within Nairobi.
The controversial preacher of the Salvation Healing Ministries is now the subject of court proceedings where a woman identified as Mercy Makone Nelima is accused of stealing a baby.
In a Nairobi Court, the woman - also identified as Joy - stated that she was instructed by Kanyari to steal a seven-year-old girl from her home in Ruaraka on 12 April.
Court documents indicate that Nelima was to work with 3 other accomplices to steal the baby and suck her blood.
Nelima successfully executed her plan and stole the young girl, who is the daughter of a woman known as Margaret Murunga Aura.
The accused escaped with the baby to her hideout in Juja, leaving behind a black handbag in Murunga's house. Inside the black handbag was a note bearing instructions and four mobile numbers.
The note read: "Call these numbers and get what you want, Pastor Kanyari, call and get your child (blood) tunakunywa, we belong in (Illuminati), blood taken(we take blood)[sic]."
The baby's mother reported the matter to the authorities and Nelima was traced to her hideout in Juja where police found the baby safe.
On 24 April, Nelima was sentenced to 5 years in prison after she pleaded guilty to the charges. In her plea, she claimed that she was sent to do so by Victor Kanyari.
Kanyari is not new to controversy. In the past, he has been accused of performing fake miracles and inappropriately touching female members of his congregation.
An exposé aired by a local media house also alleged that he engaged in sexual acts with female members of his congregation.
