Daniel Omuse: A barber and a pastor, perfecting both callings

Barber Daniel Omuse wields his clippers, shaver and razor to achieve the perfect results for any kind of haircut or shave for his clients.

When he’s not working at the state-of-the-art Citi’s Barbershop at Ketty Plaza, Moi Avenue in Mombasa, Omuse preaches the word of God.

“I love both works. I love ministering and I love shaving people. They are both my passions. Jesus did not work with idle people,” Dan, as he is fondly called, tells the Star.

Over 25 years, he has built a loyal clientele, with some traveling from as far as Kwale and Kilifi just for his expert touch. He  also tries to ensure the spiritual growth of his congregants when he is not at the barbershop.

Born in Teso North, Busia county, 40 years ago, Dan was brought up by parents who were strict Christians.

His father, a preacher, instilled discipline and faith early in his life. Despite showing academic promise, financial constraints forced him to drop out of Saboti Secondary School in Form 2 in 2007. 

That was far as any of the children went, as his other four brothers and sisters all dropped out after Class 8.

“I had to hustle and help my parents feed the family,”  Dan told the Star.

Dan’s introduction to shaving began in primary school, learning from his uncles who were in the trade and occasionally allowed him to cut children’s hair.

“I then developed the passion for shaving and was eager to learn the trade while still in primary school,” he says.

By 2008, he pursued it professionally. Seeking better opportunities, he moved to Mombasa in 2010, initially working as a security guard.

“It was not paying well and I asked my aunt in Mombasa if I could hustle there and she agreed to host me,” Dan says.

The work was difficult and the pay was low so he quit in 2012.

“I remembered my passion for shaving and decided to hustle along that line. A friend called Eric introduced me to Mose who owned a town centre barber shop and he took me on,” Dan says.

Mose introduced him to a whole different level of barbering.

“I used to do the basics and was surprised that shaving involved so many things that we did not do back in Busia,” he says.

“I did not know then that one had to be extra careful on matters health. In Busia, I only applied methylated spirit after a shave. There was no washing of the head or applying aftershave, using shaving cream or powder. In Mombasa it was a whole new thing for me.” 

Even as his barber career flourished, Dan nurtured a lifelong dream of being a preacher like his father.

Having served in the Ministry of Resurrection Church of Christ in various capacities—including usher, choir member and choir master—he demonstrated leadership and dedication early. His choir won competitions nationwide, drawing attention from church leadership.

In 2019, Dan formalised his ministry skills, completing certificate courses in Christian Leadership and Sonship Leadership Training. By June 2024, he became senior pastor of the Ministry of Resurrection Church of Christ in Likoni’s Gambani area.

He balances both vocations with discipline, rising at 4 am for morning prayers before preparing his three children for school and heading to the barbershop, where he works until 7 pm. Tuesdays and Sundays are dedicated to ministry work, including praise sessions and mentoring two junior pastors.

“I feed my family through my barber work. There is this narrative that preachers always want the flock to sponsor everything for them. I use my own sweat to feed my family,” he says.

He supports his nuclear and extended family through his barber work, countering the perception that preachers rely solely on donations. 

“I do not see my parents and siblings as liabilities and I still support them.”

Often, he extends personal help to congregants, sometimes sacrificing his own meals to meet their needs.

He says he works hard to ensure his three children get a better education than he did.

Dan, who is always well-groomed, says he has his own barber.

“But my barber does not know that I am also a barber,” he says, laughing.

Despite earning an average of Sh1,500 daily, the work is commission-based and sometimes has slow days, even requiring him to borrow money for transport.

His dual roles have earned him respect, though clients and colleagues were initially skeptical until shown videos and photos of him preaching.

He credits leadership seminars and ministry training for helping him handle different people, which has also strengthened his barber clientele.

Looking ahead, Dan envisions transitioning fully into ministry, though he acknowledges the barber trade has been instrumental in providing for his family.