A self-proclaimed bishop and a prophetess were charged in a Nairobi court yesterday with falsely obtaining Sh6 million from two churchgoers, promising to exorcise demons from their homes.
Samuel Muchai and Esther Gitau of Nyahururu-based United Hope World Reach Church denied conning Caroline Wanjiru and Gladys Nyamu.
The charges state that between July 2015 and March 2016 on Jogoo Road, Nairobi, the two obtained Sh5.4 million from Nyamu by pretending they were in a position to deliver her from demonic attacks. They were with others not in court.
A second charge said on unknown dates between November 2015 and March 30, 2016, around Donholm, Nairobi, Muchai and Gitau obtained Sh1.1 million from Wanjiru by pretending they could help her travel to Canada.
Muchai, alias Pastor Brown, and Gitau operate the church’s branches in Nairobi. The two were arrested after the worshipers reported the matter to Makadara police station.
The money was allegedly sent to the suspects via M-Pesa, while the rest was handed over in cash, the prosecution said. The suspects were each released on Sh2 million bond or Sh500,000 bail. The case will be heard on July 7.
