Prophet David Owuor’s rally takes Kisumu by storm

On Thursday, when the event began, Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma called on Owuor to pray for unity in Kenya.

“He performs miracles through his prayers and I am calling on him to pray for the country so that we are not divided along tribal lines,” Mr Ranguma said.

BEDRIDDEN

As other Kenyans thronged different places to usher in the new year, Owuor’s followers who came from as far as Europe, Tanzania, Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda kept vigil at the Kibos grounds. It is estimated that about 10,000 people are attending the prayer rally.

Pastor Hellen Ochieng of the Ministry of Repentance and Holiness warned participants against bringing critically ill patients to the venue. During a similar rally in Nakuru, some people died after they were discharged from hospital to attend prayers with the hope of getting miraculously healed.

“Those in hospitals or bedridden at home should follow the proceedings on television either at home or in hospital,” she said.

More than 1,200 police officers, including anti-terror experts have been deployed to Kibos grounds and the city.

Kisumu County Commissioner John Elungata and Assistant Inspector General Joseph Keitany said the security officers will deter acts of lawlessness.

But as hoteliers, transporters and food vendors make booming business, not all are happy.

“Owuor has brainwashed his followers to the level that they don’t think. He lives large and drives in big cars, while the followers are dying in poverty. I urge Kenyans to work hard and forget this get-rich quick mentality through prayers. Even followers of Jesus Christ did not wash the road he used,” said John Kola.

Manasses Okumu from Nyalenda said the prayers are breaking families as wives abandon their husbands for the night vigil.

“My wife and daughters left on Wednesday. I haven’t seen them and I will not be surprised if my girls get pregnant. It is just impossible that people can pray for 72 hours nonstop,” he noted.

Agatha, not her real name, a call girl who frequents a club along Kisumu-Kakamega road lamented that the pastor’s presence has spoiled business.

“His men come to the club at night in big black cars and take over the club. No one can come in or go out. They book a few rooms and identify a few girls to go with. The rest of us are just forced to sit and watch. This is not good for our business,” she said.

But Joakim Alucho who travelled from Busia to Kisumu said he is happy. “I came here with a severe backache that has troubled me for a year but after prayers, I feel the pain is easing,” he said

Prophet Owuor prayer rally ends today. He is expected to hold a closed door meeting with pastors tomorrow at Jomo Kenyatta Sports grounds.