NAIROBI, Kenya – The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has cautioned Kenyans against accepting unverified claims of miracle healing, distancing itself from assertions made by controversial preacher David Owuor that serious medical conditions have been cured through his ministry.
In a statement following a recent crusade, the umbrella church body said no individual preacher possesses divine authority to heal, stressing that all healing—whether spiritual or physical—remains the sole prerogative of God.
The remarks come after Owuor claimed that people suffering from conditions such as HIV and cerebral disorders had been healed during his crusade, triggering concern from health authorities, medical professionals and religious regulators.
Speaking to the media, NCCK National Chair Rev. Elias Otieno said faith should complement, not replace, medical care.
“We believe in faith healing, but it is God who heals—not pastors. Nobody should be denied access to established medical treatments for their health. Those claiming otherwise are acting irresponsibly,” Otieno said.
The council warned that promoting supernatural cures without medical verification risks endangering lives, particularly if patients abandon prescribed treatment.
The controversy has also reignited debate over regulation in Kenya’s religious sector.
Otieno noted that many independent churches operate without institutional oversight, creating room for abuse and distorted religious practices.
“Some churches operate independently and are not under any regulatory umbrella. When one pastor does one thing and another does something different, it creates disunity and weak oversight,” he said.
NCCK has renewed its call for a legal framework to regulate religious institutions, insisting such measures would not limit freedom of worship but promote accountability.
“When the proposed bill is fully understood through consultation and public participation, it will provide a common framework. Claims that it will restrict preaching are misleading,” Otieno added.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has warned that medical practitioners linked to the alleged healings must substantiate their claims or risk deregistration.
Investigations into the reported cures are yet to commence.
The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has also advised patients not to stop taking prescribed medication without guidance from qualified doctors.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Owuor maintains that his ministry has produced tangible results, claiming that at least 30 people have been healed of HIV and AIDS during his crusades.
