House of Yahweh's doomsday 'prophet' dies

The late Moshe Sang during an interview in May. [PHOTO :BONIFACE THUKU/
STANDARD ]

The man who caught the world’s attention eight years ago, after he predicted that September 12, 2006 would be doomsday, has passed on.

The 55-year-old Mosheh Sang died on Monday night after battling an unknown illness for almost a year with relatives and friends saying the father of four only relied on traditional herbal medicines.

Mr Sang came into the limelight in 2006 after he led his House of Yahweh followers to bunkers in preparation for nuclear war which he claimed would mark the end of the world.

Although police officers were required by the law to collect his body for preservation at a mortuary as family members prepare for his burial, that was not to be the case.

Sang lived alone and died in his bedroom, according to close family members.

However, as soon as the news of his death spread, hundreds of his followers assembled at his place and preparations for his burial began in earnest.

At exactly 2pm his body was placed in a casket and the long journey to Merigi village in Bomet County began. He was laid to rest last evening according to his wish and religion.

“Before his death, Mosheh clearly indicated that he wanted to be buried before 6pm of the day his death will visit him and that has been fulfilled,” said his brother, Joseph Bimpanet.

A somber mood engulfed his homestead-turned-shrine as the public and relatives watched from a distance while his coffin was placed on a vehicle.

Interestingly, Mr Bimpanet alleged the deceased had prophesied his death after visiting his rural home where he constructed a house and showed relatives where he wished to be buried.

According to him, Sang had picked a cow which he said was to be slaughtered during his burial to feed mourners.

“He was well prepared and had been spiritually informed about his passing on. A week ago he visited a Sacco in Nakuru town and instructed that his savings account be put under one of his sons’ name,” he added.

Evans Tum, his neighbour, described him as a hard-working and responsible parent who, even after separating with his wife, took care of their children by ensuring they all got education.

“He was a strong defender of the ministry of Yahweh and was ready to part ways with even friends and relatives, but to be sincere we have lost a great person,” said Mr Tum.

In September 2006, members of his church stockpiled food, goggles, gas masks and moved into bunkers in readiness for the end of the world which never came to be.

The sect followers dug underground bunkers in his Mauche home which also doubled up as a church to protect themselves from the nuclear bombs they believed would be unleashed.

“A nuclear bomb will be launched from underneath the sea then move up and cover the whole sky,” the church’s spiritual leader told journalists then.