The rise of Christianity has seen numerous churches sprouting in almost every village in the country.
This can be attributed to the fact that although there is no state religion, a majority of Kenyans are Christians.
Some men and women of the cloth who head churches have redefined the lifestyle of pastors in modern-day Christianity and have come under fire for it.
1. Bishop Allan Kiuna & Kathy Kiuna
The religious couple has been in the limelight for long and Kenyans are doubtful of the manner with which they live.
Many people criticise the couple for living a visibly lavish lifestyle which they have defended on multiple occasions.
In 2018, they were again put on the spot for giving CNN journalist Richard Quest, who is openly gay, a platform to address their congregation.
Churches in Kenya have openly condemned same-sex relationships, but the Kiunas' decision to host him left many wondering why the Church was trading on what man viewed as double standards.
2. Apostle James Maina Ng’ang’a
Troubles started following Apostle James Maina Ng'ang'a after he was involved in an accident that took the life of Mercy Njeri on July 26, 2015, at Manguo on the Nairobi-Naivasha highway.
The case that had carried on for some years saw the man of God acquitted by the courts in 2018.
Despite the temporary relief, he suffered a major blow after Interior CS Fred Matiang’i directed the Director of Public Prosecutions Noordin Haji to appeal the ruling. The matter is yet to be concluded.
3. Bishop Margaret Wanjiru
In 2017 elections, Bishop Margaret Wanjiru of Jesus Is Alive Ministries was apprehended for storming City Park polling centre together with her supporters and destroying voting materials worth Kshs 30,000, claiming that there was a mix up in the ballot papers.
She was taken to Parklands Police Station and charged with malicious damage to property and creating disturbance.
Bishop Wanjiru then moved to the High Court to challenge the decision made by Magistrate Andayi and was freed on a cash bail of Kshs 100,000.
4. Prophet David Owuor
The founder of Ministry of Repentance and Holiness Church, Prophet David Owuor is among the affluent pastors in Kenya living an exemplary life.
The prophet is known for condemning excesses by the church in Kenya and has even called on religious leaders “to release the church to the will of the Holy Spirit”.
His transformation has baffled many Kenyans, with his stylish cars and large entourages, as he now enjoys the very trappings of power, a lifestyle that he had condemned.
5. Reverend Lucy Natasha
Reverend Lucy Natasha, who is popular for her stunning beauty, made headlines after flaunting a range of high-end vehicles that she owns.
She paraded her expensive fleet fuel guzzlers with customized number plates. The vehicles were all bearing number plates Oracles 1-7, and could collectively be worth more Kshs 10 million.
6. Pastor Kanyari aka Bishop Mwangi
Self-proclaimed religious leader popularly known as Pastor Victor Kanyari made news after he changed his name and identity in a new re-brand strategy.
The infamous Salvation Healing Ministry preacher is now being addressed as Bishop Mwangi.
Under the new guise, he is asking congregants for Kshs 250 as seed offering, perhaps as a show of his new elevated status.
7. Jehova Wanyonyi
The late Jehovah Wanyonyi, a self-proclaimed deity captured the attention of many over claims that he was the leader of ‘Lost Israelites’ Ministries.
Wanyonyi, who had 70 wives n and 95 children had once threatened to punish Kenya severely with Aids if the government failed to give him Kshs3 billion.
8. Pastors Edward Mwai, James Kiongo Mwai, Paul Gichohi Mutune, and Raphael Mwiti Thiauru.
The team of pastors from Jesus Winners Ministry in Roysambu, Nairobi, received criticism over their plans to splash a staggering Kshs2.8 billion in acquiring a piece of land in the city.
According to court filings by UBA Bank, the pastors are set to acquire the multi-billion shilling Kasarani land linked to Uchumi Supermarket.
Many of their critics wondered where the group had sourced such a huge amount of money.
