‘Kupanda mbegu’: Four Nairobi pastors who have minted millions in Jesus’ name

Panda mbegu is now a common catchphrase in church circles that was popularised by Pastor Victor Kanyari in his televised sermons. The crafty and self-proclaimed 'Prophet' urged viewers to 'plant the seed' by sending Sh310 via M-Pesa for blessings, a figure coined from Malachi 3:10 in the bible.

But shortly, Kanyari was caught playing games and performing fake miracles for money. The form two dropout who took the title 'Dr' because it sounded cool is now embroiled in a tussle with the Kenya Revenue Authority over tens of millions in unpaid taxes. Kanyari recently completed erecting a Sh50 million home along Kangundo Road.

Then there is Apostle James Ng'ang'a of Neno Evangelism who walks around with a gun and has in the past been accused of partaking frothy stuff. Apostle Ng'ang'a owns Sunny Hills Hotel in Naivasha.

Exit Ng'ang'a and enter the glorious Margaret Wanjiru.

The former Assistant Housing Minister, Starehe MP and founder of Jesus is Alive Ministries is still set to build the ultramodern twin towers along Haile Selassie Avenue, Nairobi. The twin towers-on opposite sides of the road-will be connected by an overhead tunnel. The building - whose budget will nearly peck the billion shilling lips - will be a near replica of the American twin tower and is poised to change the architectural landscape of seedy, down town Nairobi.

The stylish bishop, who started off as a janitor (euphemism for cleaner) in Nairobi's Industrial Area before becoming a street preacher restocks her wardrobe on trips abroad. I wear "golden sandals in the morning, changes to silver in the afternoon and retires in bronze in the evening," she once told a congregation.

Bishop Wanjiru's ministry grew in leaps and bounds. Shortly, she relocated it from Mang Building to Godowns across the road.

Bishop Thomas Wahome of Helicopter of Christ Church is also well-heeled with investment in transport, real estates and education.