Fresh claims have emerged from an ongoing investigation into Prophet David Owuor’s Repentance and Holiness Church, with journalist Samira Mohammed describing what she alleges is a tightly controlled structure that leaves church workers financially dependent on the ministry.
Speaking after TV47 aired its investigative exposé, Divine or Deceptive, Samira said her findings suggest that senior church officials are provided with nearly all necessities—except direct salaries.
According to the journalist, bishops and other senior workers reportedly receive housing, food, clothing, fuel for their vehicles, school fees for their children, and other daily needs.
However, they are allegedly not paid cash wages, a system Samira claims prevents financial independence.
“They are given everything up to cars, but not money,” she said, alleging that the arrangement makes it difficult for workers to question authority or leave the church without losing all material support.
Samira also recounted what she described as an intense 10-hour interview session at Prophet Owuor’s residence, running from 3pm to 1am.
During the meeting, she said, video clips of alleged miracles were played on a large screen, operated by a young man who acted strictly on instructions to avoid displeasing the prophet.
According to her account, competition among followers for proximity to the prophet is fierce, with influential positions offering access to privileges not available to ordinary congregants.
The journalist further claimed that highly trained professionals—including doctors, lawyers, and engineers—have allegedly found themselves locked into the same system of dependence after joining the ministry.
The investigation also raised questions around claims of miraculous HIV and AIDS healings. Samira alleged that when journalists sought data or verification, church leaders declined to provide figures and instead convened urgent internal meetings.
She claimed that individuals were allegedly contacted in advance and coached on what to say.
In another controversial claim, Samira alleged that Prophet Owuor sent Sh20,000 to each TV47 crew member, stating the money was “from the Lord”—a move that critics have interpreted as an attempt to discourage the airing of the exposé.
The revelations have intensified public scrutiny of the church, with growing calls from Kenyans for independent investigations into the ministry’s practices, finances, and extraordinary claims.
As debate continues, the church has yet to issue a detailed public response addressing the specific allegations raised in the broadcast.
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