Mary Akatsa, the self-declared prophetess and founder of the Jerusalem Church of Christ in Kawangware, Nairobi, passed away recently, leaving behind a significant legacy in the religious community.
Akatsa gained fame in the 1980s after making controversial claims, including bringing a man she believed to be Jesus to her church.
Her strict discipline and unconventional approach to church leadership set her apart from many other religious figures. This earned her both admiration from her followers and criticism from others.
Born Mary Sinaida Akatsa in Ebusiralo, Vihiga, Akatsa started her church in the late 1980s while working as a maid.
She was known for her no-nonsense approach to church leadership, often following the Bible word for word and not sugarcoating the truth.
She was famous for performing miracles and gaining a loyal following, who saw her as a strong spiritual leader.
Her strictness extended to her discipline in the church, where latecomers were punished by kneeling outside, paying fines, or even facing excommunication.
These practices, though controversial, helped shape the strong community around her.
One of the most remarkable events during Akatsa's time as a leader occurred in 1988. During a church service, she introduced a man who was claimed to be Jesus.
He arrived barefoot, wearing a white robe, and carried a black African fly whisk. This incident caused a stir among her followers and attracted significant media attention.
Later, it was revealed that the man was a Sikh who had converted to Christianity, but the event remained a topic of interest and discussion for many years.
Akatsa's funeral procession on November 15, 2024, was a fitting tribute to her life. Thousands of her followers gathered to escort her body from the Umash Funeral Home to Kawangware, where her church was based.
The procession was filled with dancing, music, and heartfelt celebrations as the faithful honored her memory.
Dressed in white and blue, her followers surrounded the hearse and played traditional isukuti music, creating an emotional atmosphere.
The procession caused a temporary traffic jam as Akatsa's followers filled the streets, dancing and celebrating her life.
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