Nairobi, Kenya – In a recent dramatic scene, followers of the controversial Kenyan preacher, Prophet David Owuor, have reportedly launched a campaign to report the YouTube channel of renowned Kenyan journalist Lynn Ngugi. This action comes in the wake of Ngugi’s interview with Josephine Lwaal, a former member of Owuor’s church, who detailed her reasons for leaving the congregation.
The interview, which has stirred considerable debate online, featured Lwaal discussing her exit from the Repentance and Holiness Ministry. She cited the financial burden of fulfilling religious expectations as a primary reason for her departure. Specifically, she highlighted the requirement to buy an outfit costing Ksh 5,000 for church gatherings, alongside other practices she described as “cult-like.”
Following the release of this interview, a wave of backlash ensued from Owuor’s followers. Reports suggest that they have been instructed by the prophet himself to flag the video on YouTube, aiming to have it taken down. This reaction has sparked a broader conversation about the power dynamics and control within religious institutions.
Lynn Ngugi, in response to the mobilization against her channel, took to her social media to comment on the irony of the situation. She questioned the methods of the “mightiest prophet,” as Owuor is often referred to by his followers, by asking, “Since he’s such a miracle worker, why does he have to subject his sheep to such actions instead of simply performing a miracle to remove the video from the platform?” This statement not only highlights the absurdity, in her view, of the situation but also challenges the authenticity of Owuor’s proclaimed powers.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the practices of some religious leaders in Kenya, particularly those with large followings who make extraordinary claims. Critics argue that this incident is indicative of a broader issue where religious leaders exert undue influence over their followers, sometimes at significant personal cost to them.
Meanwhile, supporters of Prophet Owuor have defended him, asserting that the criticisms are part of a broader attack on religious freedom and that the accused practices are misrepresented or exaggerated. They maintain that the church’s teachings focus on repentance and holiness, not on financial exploitation.
