In Kenya, where many people struggle to get by, some preachers are living like kings. They own private jets, fancy cars, and huge mansions, which seem a world away from the simple life Jesus lived.
Reverend Lucy Natasha and Pastor Ezekiel Odero are two of these wealthy preachers. They travel in private jets and have big convoys of luxury cars with bodyguards and even police escorts. It’s not unusual to see Pastor Odero boarding a private plane or Reverend Natasha driving around in her expensive cars.
Reverend Natasha is especially famous for showing off her wealth, like when she flaunted her KSh 16 million Porsche and traveled with armed bodyguards, even when she went overseas.
Then there’s Pastor James Ng’ang’a, who lives in a huge mansion in Karen, Nairobi. But he got into trouble when he couldn’t pay the rent for it.
Some people are asking where all this money comes from and if it’s right for preachers to live like this while their followers struggle. They think the government should start taxing churches whose leaders live such lavish lives.
But others say these preachers are examples of success and inspire others to do well. Rapper Khaligraph Jones is building a big house too, hoping to show other musicians the value of investing wisely.
The debate continues about whether these preachers’ flashy lifestyles match up with the humble teachings of Jesus. But one thing’s for sure: their wealth shows how powerful and rich some religious leaders have become in Kenya.