The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has issued a strong caution to the public following claims of miracle healings by controversial preacher David Owuor, urging Kenyans to remain sceptical of unverified assertions of supernatural cures.
In a statement, the NCCK distanced itself from the claims, emphasising that no individual preacher holds divine authority over healing. The council underscored that healing whether spiritual or physical is solely the work of God, and that religious leaders should focus on preaching the Gospel rather than asserting exclusive powers to cure illnesses.
The remarks come in the wake of a recent crusade at which Owuor claimed to have healed serious medical conditions, including HIV and neurological disorders. The claims have attracted scrutiny from the Ministry of Health and raised alarm among medical professionals and religious regulators.
Speaking to the media, NCCK National Chairperson Rev. Elias Otieno stressed the need for a balanced approach that integrates faith and medical science.
“We believe in faith healing, but it is God who heals not pastors. No one should be discouraged from seeking or continuing established medical treatment. Any claim suggesting otherwise is irresponsible and dangerous,” Rev. Otieno said.
Church leaders further noted that the controversy has highlighted long-standing gaps in oversight within Kenya’s religious sector. According to the NCCK, the existence of independent churches operating outside recognised umbrella bodies has created accountability challenges.
“Some churches function without any institutional oversight. When doctrines and practices vary widely without accountability, it weakens unity and opens the door to abuse,” Rev. Otieno observed.
The NCCK has renewed its call for a structured regulatory framework for religious institutions, insisting that any such framework must be developed through consultation and public participation with faith-based organisations.
“When properly understood, the proposed regulatory bill will not restrict preaching. Instead, it will establish a common standard for accountability within the religious space,” he added.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed medical practitioners linked to the alleged healings to provide scientific evidence to support the claims or risk deregistration. Investigations into the reported cures are expected to follow.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has also advised patients to continue taking prescribed medication unless formally advised otherwise by qualified doctors. Despite the growing scrutiny, Owuor maintains that his crusades have resulted in genuine healings, claiming that dozens of people have been cured of HIV and AIDS through his ministry.
