By Isaac Blessings
Kenya is largely a Christian nation (approximately 75% of the population) if the 2019 census is anything to go by. There are many different denominations and churches in Kenya ranging from the Seventh Day Adventists to the Catholic Church and the Protestants. Most Kenyans have always wondered which Churches the rich and powerful individuals attend every Saturday or Sunday. Worry no more because in this article we take a look at exactly that.
Here is a list of the Churches attended by wealthy and powerful Kenyans.
Catholic Church
President Uhuru Kenyatta is a staunch Catholic although he attends other churches as you will see below. In November 2020, the Head of State paid an official visit to the State of the Vatican where he held a meeting with His Holiness Pope Francis at the Vatican. COTU secretary general Francis Atwoli is also another staunch Catholic and he never shies from professing his faith.
AIC Milimani Church
AIC Milimani Church is located along State House Avenue, Next to Lady North Nursery, Nairobi. The church has two services from 9.00am to 11.00am and 11.15am to 1.15pm every Sunday. The church is mostly attended by individuals closer to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) or anyone who can easily access the city Centre. This church is among the houses of prayer the Deputy President William Samoei Ruto attends. The last time he was spotted there was on 5th October 2021 during the church’s harambee where he donated Sh1 million Kenyan and addressed the congregants. It is headed by Rev Stephen Munyambu.
AIC is also attended by Baringo senator Gideon Moi.
Also Read: Gideon Moi Net Worth, Businesses And Properties He Owns In Kenya And Abroad
P.A.G Hardy Church
The Pentecostal Assemblies of God Church is located along Karanja Road, Hardy area in Langata constituency. This church is a beloved home to former Prime Minister Right Honorable Raila Amolo Odinga. Since the days he was the Member of Parliament for Lang’ata constituency, Raila Odinga together with his wife Mama Ida Odinga frequented this church almost every Sunday. Even though he is no longer the Member of Parliament for the constituency, Raila still visits the church occasionally. The last time he was publicly spotted at the church was on 21st November 2021 where he addressed the gathering after the sermon. The church is headed by Pastor Timothy Kitui and Pastor Jackie Kelvin.
Raila rubbished rumours that he practices witchcraft in the same church:
“We have walked a long journey to date because of the grace of God. We thank God for all he has done for us. Some people say Raila belongs to the devil, eti Raila ni mganga (that Raila is a sorcerer) I want to tell them that I am a Christian, a member of the Anglican Church,” the former prime minister said.
Also Read: Richest Churches in Kenya And Amount They Make Annually
Nairobi Chapel
Nairobi Chapel Church is located along Ngong Road Nairobi. This Church is one of the famous churches among the middle and working class Kenyans. It has two Sunday services from 9.00 am to 11.00am and 11.30 am to 1.30pm which are usually packed to capacity. The church is attended by Nairobi County senator Johnstone Sakaja and other popular celebrities such as Comedian Dr. Ofweneke and Citizen TV news anchor Trevor Ombija. The church is headed by Rev. Nick Korir and Pastor Festus Omoto.
CITAM Church, Karen
CITAM is located in the leafy suburbs of Karen Nairobi. Congregants wealthy and powerful individuals in this country. On 5th Dec 2020 during the inauguration of Bishop David Oginde to become the presiding bishop of the church, President Uhuru Kenyatta was among the congregants who attended the fellowship. Although not a regular attendant of the church due to his tight schedule, the president has been spotted there several times. The church is also home to some of the popular celebrities like Comedian and Switch TV Host- Buda Boss, Gospel musician- Ben Cyco, Content Creator – Wanjiru Njiru and Hope Fm and Hope TV host – Kerry Kagiri.
Also Read: Churches With The Best Architectural Designs In Kenya
JCC Thika Road
The Jubilee Christian Church is located along the Thika Superhighway off exit 8. The church is among the most popular churches in Nairobi attended by thousands of people every Sunday. It has one big service from 9.00am to 12.30pm which is often aired live on Citizen TV and the church’s social media platforms. The church is attended by famous people like Gospel musicians Ringtone, Bahati, Esther Wahome and the famous Youtubers – The Wajesus Family. It is headed by Pastor Morris Gacheru and his wife under the leadership of Bishop Allan Kiuna and Rev Kathy Kiuna.
House Of Grace
House of Grace Church is located along Langata road in Nairobi West. This church is arguably one of the most famous churches among young people in Nairobi. It has two services from 9.00am to 11.00am and 11.30am to 1.30pm every Sunday and is also streamed live in the church’s social media pages. It is attended by famous celebrities such as Robert Burale, former Nairobi governor – Evans Kidero and Nairobi businessman – Polycarp Igathe among others.
Seventh Day Adventist (SDA)
Former Chief Justice David Maraga is a staunch SDA. He is a church elder too. This is the same with the current Communication Authority Director General Ezra Chiloba.
Also Read: Ezra Chiloba Biography, Age, Education and Career
Jesus Is Alive Ministries
Jesus Is Alive Ministries (JIAM) is a church located along Haile Selassie Avenue in the Central Business District. The church which was founded by Bishop Margaret Wanjiru is among the most famous churches in Kenya. This Church attracts a huge gathering drawn from the lower, middle and upper class Kenyans who regularly attend the different Sunday services available. The Church is one of the favorite churches of the Deputy President William Ruto and other politicians associated with him.
Also Read: Archbishop Philip Anyolo Biography, Age, Education, Career & Car Gift From Ruto
Empowerment Christian Church
Empowerment Christian Church is located at the junction of Moi Avenue and Biashara Street at Biashara Plaza building 7th floor. This church is famous among the new generation individuals who flock there in their hundreds every Sunday. It is headed by the famous Rev Lucy Natasha as the senior pastor and General Overseer. The church is attended by Kenyan celebrities such as Gospel musicians – Masterpiece, Dk kwenye beat, hopekid and Mash mwana.
FEM
Faith Evangelistic Ministries famously known as FEM Family Church is one of the most famous churches in Kenya. It has the second biggest auditorium in East Africa and attracts a huge crowd in their thousands every Sunday. The church which is estimated to have cost Ksh 1 billion was founded and is headed by the famous Rev Teresia Wairimu. The church which is located in Karen was opened in 2016 with President Uhuru Kenyatta as the chief guest. Also in attendance was the Deputy President’s wife Rachael Ruto and renowned American Evangelist Bishop Reinhard Bonnke.
