- Mary Sinaida Akatsa was not born with luck, but she turned her life around through religion
- This woman, a self-proclaimed prophetess, went from being a domestic worker to owning the Jerusalem Church of Christ in Kawangware
- TUKO.co.ke shares the life and times of a woman who expressed herself between worship and controversy
Mary Akatsa's life is a combination of sincere faith, controversy, and the indelible mark she left on the religious community of Nairobi.
Source: Facebook
As the founder of the Jerusalem Church of Christ in Kawangware, Mary Akatsa was not only a spiritual leader, but also an interesting and controversial figure.
In 1988, he sparked national interest by announcing that Jesus had visited his church, attracting large crowds and media coverage.
A young Indian Sikh, who became a Christian, attended his event in a white robe while holding an African bee mouse.
The crowd started to shout and cheer saying Jesus! Yeeesu! You have come. Welcome Jesus! Wash away our sins.”
However, people were surprised when he was carried aloft by another man instead of ascending to heaven.
Mary Akatsa denied the claim that Jesus came to Kawangware
Akatsa denied the allegations, saying that the man had come to pray like others.
The story attracted criticism from various quarters, with Akatsa refusing to comment until years later, when he said it was rumours.
He explained that the Indian man his followers believed was Jesus only came to pray.
“My opponents are the ones who spread lies about me and the church to confuse people that the person was an Indian who came to the church to pray like other people,” he explained, like as reported by The Standard.
The incident remains in the collective memory of his supporters and critics, as a symbol of his unwavering faith and his unique style.
In an official statement from the Akatsa church, it was stated that the prophet was rushed to the hospital on Thursday and died on Friday morning.
He was remembered for the many lives he touched and his dedication to the poor and sick.
“He was known as a leader who did not like nonsense, he separated himself from many ordinary preachers because he followed the Bible in all its words,” said part of the statement.
Although the statement from his church did not reveal what caused his death, one of the believers told TUKO.co.ke that he had been struggling with a kidney problem for a long time.
Akatsa bowed his head to believers who were late to church
One thing to be recognized about the prophet is that he was strict in implementing moral principles.
He was known for his tough-love approach, where he was famous for beheading worshipers who came late to his services.
His actions, which were often seen as extreme, stemmed from his desire to strengthen discipline and commitment among his followers.
In spite of the opposition, his church had a large crowd, a testimony to his impressive influence and the loyalty given to him.
Akatsa married people and their dead spouses
In his life, Akatsa worked on the border of worship and controversy.
In one of his most controversial events, he was known for uniting the living and the dead in a religious marriage.
If the betrothed died before his wedding, Akatsa would arrange a wedding with a living loved one before the funeral.
According to him, the “marriage” was a love ceremony meant to unite the lovers in life and death.
Personal Life of Mary Akatsa
Mary Sinaida was born in Bunyore, County Vihigaand lost his parents at a young age, which forced him to leave home to find work.
At the age of eight, Akatsa became a domestic worker in Kikuyu, County Kiambua period that contributed to shaping his future life.
This is where he started praying to people and got the revelation to start God's work at the age of 10.
He built his church from the ground up, giving a message of hope and healing to the marginalized and forgotten.
Mary Akatsa's legacy is multifaceted
This prophet was married to the late Mr. Akatsa from Kisa, County Kakamegabut he separated from her due to allegations of adultery.
Many of Akatsa's followers cannot say his age, but it is estimated that he was 70 or early 80 years old.
For others, he was a symbol of faith and discipline, capable of performing miracles and speaking different East African languages.
“His charismatic style and spiritual gifts drew people from all walks of life, and his services often resulted in miraculous healings, exorcisms, and prophetic revelations that astonished many.i,” said a statement from his church.
The End of an Era
For others, Akatsa remains a controversial figure who gathered many followers by preaching the gospel of prosperity.
The state of affairs is clear that its impact on the religious environment of Nairobi cannot be ignored.
Death of Akatsa it means the end of an era, but his influence on his followers and the debates he sparked will continue to influence.
The life and times of Mary Akatsa, the prophet who brought “Jesus” to Kawangware, will be remembered for a long time.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
