Wolves in shepherds' clothing: Prophet Peter K's sexual exploits expose dark side of the clergy

A disturbing pattern has emerged within places of worship. Men of the cloth, entrusted as custodians of God’s word, have turned into predators lurking among their flocks.

Cloaked in the sanctity of religion, they exploit their positions of trust to prey on the very souls seeking spiritual refuge. What should be sacred spaces of faith and redemption have, for some, become hunting grounds for deception and abuse.

Beyond the deep betrayal of trust, such acts are not just cultural taboos but outright abominations in religious circles. In societies where faith leaders are revered as moral compasses, their descent into predatory behaviour shakes the very foundations of belief, leaving behind broken victims and disillusioned congregations.

While communities grapple with the shock, the question remains: How many more wolves in shepherds’ clothing are still hiding in plain sight?

Recently, a storm of public fury has engulfed self-proclaimed prophet Peter K, a controversial religious leader based in Ruiru, after shocking allegations of sexual assault emerged. What began as hushed whispers online, followed by “sodomy confessions” by some young worshippers at his church, has exploded into violent protests, with enraged residents demanding justice for the victims.

It is the pastor who first went public with the claims before the young men also came out with the ‘shocking’ allegations that caused the storm and violent protests in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The uproar culminated in a mob attack on his church, reducing the iron-sheet structure to ruins as furious demonstrators sought to flush out his followers and expose what they claim is a web of abuse hidden behind the veil of spirituality.

The harrowing accounts paint a disturbing picture of betrayal, manipulation, and abuse.

Among those who have come forward is a boda boda operator from Nairobi’s Eastleigh estate, who recounted his traumatic encounter with the so-called prophet. The victim (whose name has been withheld for privacy reasons) alleges that Peter K first reached out to him through TikTok in 2022. Over time, the preacher gained his trust through frequent online interactions before extending an invitation to meet in person.

 “It was in 2022 when I knew one Peter, who is a prophetic leader, through TikTok media. We kept on sharing online until 2023 when I visited his place of residence at Sunton place in Kasarani,” recalled the man.

Inside the house, the rider found Peter K with a friend. The prophet prepared a meal, which the trio had together.

“After the meal, his friend left us together and went to a different room, and Peter began behaving in a manner to seduce me. He was touching my private parts and other body parts which made me feel irritated since I had never experienced such a thing,” claimed the man.

In a police statement, the man claims, the prophet reached him on December 4, 2024, through a WhatsApp call requesting a meeting. Earlier, the rider had requested Peter K to assist him acquire musical instruments.

Peter K agreed to meet the rider over the request and the location of the rendezvous was along Waiyaki Way where the complainant found the preacher inside his parked car.

“Upon reaching the place, he requested me to board the car and offered me a drink. After taking the drink I began to feel dizzy before I blacked out, gaining consciousness some minutes to midnight,” he claims.

Peter K, allegedly drove the boda rider to his place and the following day when he stepped out of bed at around 5 am for a long call, he felt pain and the stool had blood.

The complainant then took a shower and left for Mama Lucy Hospital to seek medication, which was prescribed accordingly.

Despite his agony, when the victim confronted Peter K about the ordeal via WhatsApp, the prophet allegedly hung up the call, refusing to acknowledge or explain what had transpired. His silence fuelled the victim’s determination to seek justice, prompting him to file an official police report.

“I called prophet Peter through WhatsApp asking him what he had done to me instead he went ahead and hang up the call. I left the hospital and went to my place of residence and began taking medication,” he stated in the statement.

The man continued taking medication but his condition did not improve, forcing him to return to Mama Lucy Hospital where he was booked for surgery.

“I was advised by a friend to visit a private hospital. I preferred St Francis Community Hospital in Kasarani where surgery was done. It was established I had anal fissure and hemorrhoids,” he added.

As word of the accusations spread, a wave of public anger erupted in Ruiru. Demonstrations turned violent as furious residents stormed Peter K’s church, forcing worshippers to flee before vandalising the structure. The enraged mob looted valuables, including the church’s public address system, and partially tore down the iron-sheet walls in a symbolic act of condemnation.

By the time anti-riot police arrived, the damage had already been done. Teargas canisters were lobbed to disperse the protesters, turning the church compound into a battlefield of chaos. However, the rage in the community remained unquenched, with many demanding Peter K’s immediate arrest and prosecution.

Among those expressing outrage was an elderly woman who insisted that the signs of Peter K’s alleged misconduct had long been evident.

“This man is just rogue. We have so many single women yearning for a man, I am single too but this prophet has decided to sodomise our male friends and young boys. We want justice for the boy child. We are mothers and it is very painful to see someone wrecking their lives through sexual perversion. Let him approach us and we will satisfy him,” the woman ranted.

Social media has also played a pivotal role in amplifying the allegations. TikTok user ‘DCIO’ claimed that similar accusations against Peter K had surfaced in Nakuru and Nairobi before but were ignored by authorities.

“This man preys on young men. He owns a van, which he uses to commit these despicable crimes. He drugs his victims before assaulting them,” the user alleged.

The explosive allegations against Peter K have reignited debates around homosexuality within religious circles. While some view the controversy purely as a case of sexual abuse, others have framed it within the larger discourse on LGBTQ+ rights and the role of religious leaders in shaping societal norms.

Recently, the Cosmopolitan Affirming Church, an LGBTQ+ inclusive place of worship, opened its doors in Nairobi, challenging traditional religious doctrines that condemn same-sex relationships. The church, which first gained global attention through a documentary titled Kenyan, Christian, Queer, seeks to provide a sanctuary for believers who identify as LGBTQ+.

However, mainstream religious institutions in Kenya have remained staunchly opposed to homosexuality.

Reverend Kepha Nyandega, General Secretary of the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya, reinforced this position, stating:

“We recognise marriage only between consenting adults of opposite sexes. God created Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve.”

Citing biblical verses such as Romans 1:26-27, Nyandega maintained that same-sex relations are considered a sin within the church’s doctrine.

While the debate on homosexuality in Kenya rages on, Peter K’s case remains a matter of criminal allegations rather than theological discourse. The alleged victims and their supporters are calling for justice, urging authorities to act swiftly.

Kenyan law remains unequivocal in its stance against same-sex relations. Sections 162, 163, and 165 of the Penal Code criminalise ‘carnal knowledge against the order of nature,’ prescribing sentences of up to 21 years in prison.

Critics argue that these laws, which conflate consensual same-sex acts with paedophilia and bestiality, are outdated and violate human rights. However, for many, Peter K’s case is less about sexuality and more about the abuse of power and trust.

Beyond Kenya’s borders, cases of violence linked to LGBTQ+ issues continue to make headlines.

In South Africa, the recent assassination of openly gay Muslim cleric Muhsin Hendricks has sparked international concern. Hendricks, who founded a mosque for gay Muslims in Cape Town, was gunned down in what is widely believed to be a targeted attack.

Back in Ruiru, Prophet Peter K remains elusive. His phone remains switched off, and efforts to reach him for comment have been unsuccessful. His sudden disappearance has only fuelled suspicions, leaving many to wonder if he is evading justice.

At the heart of this crisis lies a complex interplay of factors. Some religious leaders exploit their authority over vulnerable congregants, using spiritual manipulation to justify their actions. Others hide behind celibacy or societal expectations, battling internal struggles with suppressed desires that manifest in predatory behaviour. The unchecked power and reverence afforded to clergy often allow them to operate without scrutiny, creating an environment where victims fear speaking out.

Culturally, discussing sexual abuse within religious spaces remains taboo, allowing perpetrators to continue their misconduct under a veil of silence. The stigma surrounding male victims further complicates matters, as many fear shame or disbelief if they expose their abusers. This silence enables predators to thrive, emboldened by the knowledge that their crimes are unlikely to be challenged.

To combat this crisis, accountability must be non-negotiable. Religious institutions must implement strict oversight, ensuring that leaders are not beyond scrutiny. Independent investigative bodies should be established to handle allegations of misconduct, removing internal biases that often protect abusers.

Education and awareness are crucial. Congregants must be empowered to recognise and report abuse without fear of retribution.

Faith should be a source of healing, not trauma. Until religious institutions commit to transparency and accountability, the sacred trust between shepherd and sheep will remain dangerously broken.

As investigations continue, the victims and their families hope that this will not be another case swept under the rug. They demand accountability, transparency, and, above all, justice. In a society where religious figures wield immense influence, this case serves as a reminder of the dangers of blind faith and the need to hold those in power accountable.