Kenyan TV program exposes famous healing prophet as a fraud
A television program has exposed the "hidden" activities of a pastor known for his healing ministries and crusades all over Kenya evoking national ire.
Victor Kanyari of the Salvation Healing Ministry is said to have faked his miracles after The Inside Story's Prayer Predators program uncovered evidence proving fraudulent activities of the religious organization.
James Wachira, former pastor of the church, revealed how Kanyari would "stage" the miracles to gain public approval and support.
Wachira revealed that they were taught to use Potassium Permanganate to cheat the people.
Potassium Permanganate reacts with water to produce a pinkish purple liquid. The liquid is said to be the "blood" of HIV victims, which will be used as an evidence to say that healing took place.
Wachira also admitted that he, together with other church workers, would pose as HIV survivors to lure patients to come to their church. Eventually the patients would have to pay a significant amount to get "healed."
The program also showed a video were church workers were coached on what to say in their healing testimonies.
After the expose, the public flooded social media with reactions.
A person called Mkapombe said in a tweet that Kenyans can be gullible. Betty Gyalo said she was disgusted by Kenyari, but would not be surprised if people still flocked to his church the following Sunday.
Activist Bonface Mwangi, said in his tweet that Kenyari's accomplices are mobile companies who provided phone line and the immigration department who gave fake IDs, people who gave fake testimonies, and broadcasters who continue to air Kanyari's programs.
Kenya's The Star reported that even atheists in Kenya are angered with what they learned and want Kenyari arrested.
"Atheists in Kenya would like the government to quickly arrest Bishop Victor Kanyari for taking advantage of gullible Kenyans and eventually extorting money from them in the name of god," association president Harrison Mumia said in a statement.
The association also wants the government to ban programs that air miracle healers to stop a "society that believes and is obsessed with miracles."