TV47 journalist Samira Mohammed has shared chilling details from her investigation into the Repentance and Holiness Church, shedding light on what she describes as a tightly controlled and manipulative religious system.
The investigation focused on claims of miraculous HIV and AIDS healings linked to Prophet David Owuor.
According to Samira, the process of gathering information was exhausting and deliberately complicated, stretching over long hours under intense supervision.
Samira disclosed that her team spent nearly ten hours at the prophet’s residence, arriving in the afternoon and leaving in the early hours of the morning.
During that time, large screens continuously displayed videos of alleged miracles, carefully managed by a young technician who followed strict instructions to avoid upsetting senior figures.
She described an environment where church workers, including bishops and senior officials, are fully provided for but receive no direct salary.
Their housing, food, transport, clothing, and even school fees for their children are covered by the church, creating complete dependence on the ministry.
According to the journalist, this system makes it extremely difficult for members to question leadership or leave the church. Walking away would mean losing everything they rely on for daily life.
Competition within the church hierarchy is intense. Members fight for positions closer to the prophet, as these roles come with greater privileges and access to resources unavailable to ordinary followers.
Samira noted that the ministry attracts highly educated professionals, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, and advocates. Many of them, she said, become trapped in what appears to be a carefully structured cycle of loyalty and reward.