Leadership wrangles emerge in Jehova Wanyonyi’s sect

Mr Eliab Masinde (in yellow robe) the Lost Israelites spokesperson leads his congregation in prayers at Jehova Wanyonyi’s home in Chemororoch village along the border of Uasin Gishu and Kakamega Counties on May 21, 2016. PHOTO | DENNIS LUBANGA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The dispute pits proclaimed ‘prophetess’ Elizabeth Atakar and ‘high priest’ Eliab Masinde on who should take the helm of the sect whose followers are in the former Rift Valley and Western provinces.
  • Members of the sect have threatened to take legal action against Mrs Atakar who claims she was sent to succeed their controversial Mr Wanyonyi.

Divisions have emerged among followers of the “Lost Israelites” a year after the death of their founding leader Jehova Wanyonyi.

The dispute pits proclaimed ‘prophetess’ Elizabeth Atakar and ‘high priest’ Eliab Masinde on who should take the helm of the sect whose followers are in the former Rift Valley and Western provinces.

The followers have maintained claims that their sect leader, Jehova Wanyonyi, ascended to heaven and did not die as claimed by the local administration.

Mrs Atakar said that she is the bona fide leader of the sect after she was endorsed by Wanyonyi.

“I am the genuine prophetess who was sent by Jehova Wanyonyi whom I met in Lodwar,” she said.

According to her, Jehova Wanyonyi is not dead but he is under a very large sea waiting to come back to the world to execute the last judgment.

Her sentiments were echoed by her husband, Mr Joab Muhando, a longtime follower of Jehova Wanyonyi who has since been excommunicated from the sect.

“My wife is the prophetess of Jehova Wanyonyi and I am his angel. We are not afraid to tell the world about the message of Jehova Wanyonyi,” said Mr Muhando.

But Mr Masinde who doubles as the sect spokesperson dismissed Mrs Atakar as a liar stating that she had been excommunicated from the sect in March this year.

He cautioned the sect members against associating with her.

According to Mr Masinde, the sect will take action soon if Mrs Atakar fails to seek forgiveness for her deeds.

He said the followers recognise the Bible and they read from both the New and Old Testaments in their preaching.

Members of the sect have threatened to take legal action against Mrs Atakar who claims she was sent to succeed their controversial Mr Wanyonyi.

The followers are also planning to hold rituals to ‘curse’ Ms Atakar for claiming to their prophetess.

“This woman is joking…I am the only one who has the authority to speak with our ‘god’ Jehova Wanyonyi. She should go back in Lodwar where she comes from before we take legal action and curse her,” said Mr Masinde.

In July last year, the followers were baffled after their self-declared messiah, went missing from his Uasin Gishu home.

The sect leader, popularly referred to by his followers in western Kenya as “a living god”, left his home and his whereabouts remain unknown to date.

Mr Masinde insists that Jehova Wanyonyi is alive and will come back to provide leadership and direction for his sheep.

“All we can say is that we recognize Jehova as our supreme god. He is alive and will come back to show us the spiritual direction when that time comes,” added Mr Masinde.