Two pastors nearly lynched for using pythons to perform 'miracles'

   The Python in a bucket after it was captured by the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) personnel at Romg'e Juu location in Mwatate district, Taita_Taveta County. The snake was found with suspected con preachers on Saturday,08th November 2014.PHOTO BY RENSON MNYAMWEZI/STANDARD,  

Two pastors narrowly escaped death after they were found in possession of a python and other wild animals' trophies.

Angry public nearly lynched the two on Saturday night had it not been for the presence of Administration Police officers. The public accused the pastors of using the trophies to perform 'miracles'.

Residents complained that the two have been conning local Christians with a promise of miracles and redemption through exorcism, with police indicating that one of the arrested will be charged with illegal possession of wildlife trophies and extortion.

Police said the two were accosted by the irate public at Rong'e Juu, Mwatate district. The python was found stuffed in a bag.

One of the men, Daudi Kafuta, was arrested while his accomplice only identified as 'Prophet' Ibrahim escaped arrest.

Pastor Kafuta yesterday claimed the snake belongs to Ibrahim who is still at large.

The pastor, who was in his official cloak at the time of the arrest, said they were invited by a family in the area to perform some miracles.

"We were invited by a family at Rong'e Juu location to go and perform God's miracles. I came with Prophet Ibrahim from Mombasa but I did not know that he had a snake with him. The snake is not mine but it belongs to Ibrahim," Kafuta told The Standard at the Kenya Wildlife Service headquarters at Tsavo East National Park where police handed over the 9-feet python for safe custody.

Kafuta heads the Pentecostal World Mission Outreach Church at Werugha in Wundanyi division.

"We have been performing miracle with Prophet Ibrahim for the last one month. I did not know that he has a snake," added the 34-year-old preacher.

Mwatate OCPD Francis Mwangi said the alleged prophets have been fleecing unsuspecting people money under the pretext of exorcism.

"The unscrupulous self-made preachers have been fleecing residents of millions of shillings through false prophesy. They make people believe they have supernatural powers to deal with demons," he said.

Mr Mwangi said the suspects had been moving around with the snake while performing their alleged pastoral duties.