BUNGOMA, Kenya- Drug abuse is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem in Kenya, especially among young people.
More than half of drug users in Kenya are between the ages of 10 and 19, according to the National Survey on the “Status of Drugs and Substance Use (DSU) in Kenya, 2022.”
The study’s primary conclusions were: Gender is not the only demographic factor that contributes to drug misuse in the community.
Cultural and social variables, as well as economic ones, are major determinants of juvenile drug misuse in the area.
Richard Wamalwa of Bungoma County experienced that. He began abusing alcohol and, eventually, other drugs.
He subsequently experimented with almost every other narcotic, and at one point, he faced a possible jail sentence.
How Richard Wamala managed to turn his life around
Richard has since recovered and has won back the confidence of everyone in his immediate vicinity, including his family.
“I began experimenting with drugs at a very tender age, initially because I was curious and had fallen in with like-minded friends,” Richard revealed to Y News.
Richard, who is currently a living testament, stated in his own words, “I tried everything, including alcohol and bhang. Mention all those. I would get wasted away with my friends when we got together.
He recalled how, every day between the ages of 15 and 19, he abused drugs of all kinds.
However, God poured His grace upon Richard, born in Buema village in 2002, and he has not touched drugs ever since.
He has turned his life around. Now, he’s doing the same for others, preaching to them about the effects of drug abuse and finding God’s Grace.
How Richard Wamalwa established his church
While the cynical may raise their eyebrows, Richard, now 38, married, and a father of three, says he discovered God and quit overnight.
Without drugs, he was able to get his life back, and in 2018, he launched a church called ECG, The Jesus Nation Church based in Bungoma.
“In 2002, after visiting my aunt in Kakamega town, I came to know Christ. I started serving God in His ministry by taking on various responsibilities, like that of a gospel artist,” Richard added.
Among his other roles were youth leader, interpreter, and praise and worship leader.
The former student of Kibabii High School said he takes pleasure in serving in God’s mission.
“This is because when the kingdom of the devil is empty, and the kingdom of God is filled, I exalt God,” Richard remarked, adding that he rejoices when he witnesses many people, especially young people, dedicate their lives to Christ.
Challenges Richard Wamala endured after getting saved
Since being granted prophetic grace, Richard has been blessed with the ability to preach and share the gospel of Christ throughout the nation and beyond.
Richard said his most memorable experience after getting saved was running into old friends while on an evangelism campaign.
They made fun of him and made him join them in their drinking.
“One time, while doing evangelism, we came across some old friends enjoying local beer. They made fun of me, brought me alcohol, had me sit down, and told me that I had gone crazy after I was saved,” Richard recalled.
The man of God further claimed:
“They foolishly stated that I had joined evil forces. After a brief confrontation, I was able to win some of them over to Christ, and they are now serving God alongside me and in other capacities.”
How Richard Wamalwa has risen against his obstacles
He claims that society has been highly unfriendly to him because of his youth.
“I believe it is because of my young age, but there are people who have condemned and mocked me for no apparent reason,” he remarked.
Despite these obstacles, Richard maintains that God has attracted thousands of people who have chosen to follow God through him.
My greatest accomplishment as a prophet has been witnessing the conversion of people to Christ, helping the underprivileged, the impoverished, prisoners in our jails, and academically gifted but needy children. This is what sustains me,” Richard continued.
He said that the modern church needs to stop focusing on divisive issues, absurd doctrines, and self-serving agendas and instead concentrate on sharing the good news.
According to the Bible, “Seek first the kingdom of God, and everything else will follow. Thus, I think whatever you need will come your way if you prioritise God and His work,” Richard stated.
Who is Richard Wamalwa’s greatest inspiration
In the ministry of Christ, Richard refers to Reverend Natasha of Oracle Ministries as his covenant sister.
“As inspired gospel ministers in this nation and beyond, we uplift one another. I was a guest speaker at a gospel conference in Mombasa many years ago, where I got to know Rev. Natalie,” Richard disclosed.
Richard claims to have thousands of adherents to his doctrine worldwide.
“In Bungoma and beyond the borders, I envision myself as the head of one of the largest prophetic churches. I want to use my platform to win more souls for Christ,” he explained.
In the next five years, he wants to establish a children’s home, run a Christian radio and TV station, and continue doing charitable work.
Richard urged his fellow young people to seek the ways of Christ, saying that “the world will be healed when many younger people give their lives to Christ.”
In his post-recovery ministry, Richard asserts to others that you cannot heal unless you give up everything.
What amazing advice for anyone who is reading his story and experiencing an addiction struggle as well.