BUSIA, Kenya — A woman in Busia has sparked widespread curiosity and controversy after declaring herself the reincarnation of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
Judith Nafula, a former Catholic, says she received a divine visitation in which a heavenly light descended upon her, accompanied by a voice proclaiming she had been chosen to become the new “Mother of Jesus.”
“A light came from above and a voice said, ‘I am Christ sent by the Father. I am searching for Mary.’ I responded that I didn’t know her. Then the voice told me, ‘It is you,’” Nafula told a local gathering, recounting what she described as a profound spiritual awakening.
Nafula claims the revelation occurred after she spent two months alone on a mountain, praying and fasting.
She believes she was divinely sent to deliver messages to Kenyans.
The episode has turned her village into a site of religious spectacle and confusion.
Her husband, John Wekulo, said he was stunned by the announcement but soon received his own divine message — naming him Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus.
“I was shocked,” he admitted. “But after some time, I was also told I am Joseph.”
Nafula’s family members have backed her claims, saying she has reportedly performed healing miracles.
Yet not all neighbours are convinced — some accuse her of practicing “dark forces,” and have dismissed her assertions as blasphemous or attention-seeking.
The incident has reignited debate about the need to regulate religious activities in Kenya, especially following a string of recent controversies involving rogue pastors and spiritual movements.
In April, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen confirmed that a Cabinet committee is reviewing a report by a presidential taskforce led by Rev. Mutava Musyimi.
The team has recommended stricter oversight of religious organisations to curb extremism and abuse.
“Next week, the Cabinet will consider the report and approve it for onward tabling and consideration by the National Assembly,” Murkomen said, adding that the State must act to protect vulnerable followers from exploitative religious practices.
His remarks followed a chilling incident in Migori where two congregants died and dozens were rescued from a cult-like church that discouraged medical treatment.
Murkomen praised the swift intervention by authorities in that case, saying regulation is necessary to rein in dangerous religious extremism.
He emphasized that while religion plays an essential role in society, “some organisations have exploited the faithful’s desperation for divine intervention.”
