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A Kitengela pastor has denied claims that his church is a cult and that they are devil worshippers.
The church, Kanisa La Roho Ya Yesu headed by Pastor Masayoshi Takemoto is feared by many due to its makuti thatch, well-manicured lawns and swimming pools.
“I don’t understand why people are peddling such malicious rumours. Some are afraid of attending our services since they claim I suck blood from children. A few days ago, two people visited us and after the service, they approached me claiming they wanted to sell their body organs including private parts to join the cult. They were disappointed when I told them we believe in Jesus and read the Bible,” he said.
Takemoto said the church has roots in Japan and is known as ‘Spirit of Jesus Church’, but he changed the name to Kiswahili to suit the locals.
The church stands on approximately one acre piece of land and can accommodate around 300 people.
Its design resembles a luxury hotel, with beautifully manicured gardens and paved pathways.
“When we opened the church, we had hired a section of the neighbouring hotel, before we raised money to buy this plot. The church’s design was by a local architect. The church has three huge doors with big glass windows that allow enough light around the circular structure. The sunken area at the centre is meant for worshippers, while two pillars at the altar denotes, “gateway to heaven”, he said.
The pastor explained that they don’t hold keshas and faithful give offerings or tithes, as they wish.
He revealed that Kanisa La Roho Ya Yesu delegation came to Kenya in 1985, a time when there was severe drought in the country.
“The Japanese government was really touched and they sent their donations. However, one pastor was so moved that he vowed to one day set up a church in Africa, specifically, Kenya. Coincidentally, early that year, he was sent to Gambia but while there, one of his sisters reminded him he ought to head to Kenya,” he said.
He added that: “His prayers were answered and he landed in Karatina where he prayed and baptised many people.”
Takemoto explains that later, their bishop started visiting Kenya on a yearly basis.
“In September 2000, a pastor from the region and two Maasai children were involved in a road accident. In commemoration, we built this church, a school in Kajiado central and a borehole. That was in September 2002, the same year I was posted here,” he recalls.
The pastor said their church has been sponsoring the school as a way of giving back to society.
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