• Faithful of the Jerusalem Church of Christ in Kawangware mourn the death of their founder, Mary Sinaida Akatsa, who died at a local hospital
• The preacher, affectionately known as Dada Mary, walked a fine line between religion and drama, often sparking controversy
• Former followers share their experiences with the charismatic prophet, from his miracles to his controversial rituals

In the 1980s, Mary Akatsa, known as “Dada Mary”, caught the attention of Kenyans with her controversial ministry in Nairobi. kawangware neighbour.

His ministries were marked by claims of miraculous healings, prophetic revelations, and punishment for latecomers.

Akatsa’s followers tell about their experiences

Her most notable day was when a man she introduced as “Jesus” appeared on stage, a move that stirred mixed emotions and doubts.

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Akatsa would later deny the story and accuse his critics of trying to tarnish his legacy by lying that he had brought the Son of God to Kawangware.

Former followers and community members recalled their experiences with the charismatic prophet.

They shared moments of both faith and disappointment with Taifa Leo, adding mystery to Akatsa’s already controversial personality.

First miracle: understanding

Bi Wambua, a long-time parishioner of Dada Mary, shared a moving personal story, adding that Dada Mary was an ordinary woman who visited him.

One day, she explained that her inability to get pregnant was due to a ‘mental block’ imposed by the midwife who gave birth to her second child.

Wambua says she had been childless for five years, but became pregnant after the prophet prayed for her, and describes how the preacher gave her specific instructions:

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“Dada Mary advised me to wear long dresses so that the midwife who supposedly ‘tied’ me wouldn’t see that I was pregnant.”

Following his advice, Wambua was able to give birth to five more children, each born a year apart.

Miracle 2: Healing

Another former congregation member recalled intense spiritual exercises that were often practiced in meetings held in open areas.

“We would run around the field and tell God all our problems,” he recalled. “I remember running across the field 23 times, praying for my son to get better, and he did.”

But the memories were not all positive.

Some followers began to question Dada Mary’s practices, especially when she was selling “anointed” products in her services.

Explaining his disappointment, Wambua said, “I was surprised one day when the prophet started selling clothes and food, claiming to be prayed for. That’s when I realized his soul had changed.” he said.

Neighbor tells how Akatsa brought the village to a standstill

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Akatsa’s village neighbour, Johnston Omutuku, narrated how the prophet stopped all activities in Bunyore every time he visited.

Omutuku described him as a dictator, a severe disciplinarian who bludgeoned, slapped, scolded and pinched parishioners, including men.

In many cases, the church would visit the village to hold a funeral for one of its members, where everyone shivered and trembled like a leaf on a weak tree.

“His arrival in the villages could stop learning in schools, trading activities in the Luanda market, and even farming,” he wrote.

He added that school children would jump out of windows and over fences without asking permission.

Controversial events

Another resident described an incident that left him embarrassed, suspicious and humiliated when his wife reported it to him.

“I was instructed to wear underwear over my head as a sign of repentance,” he said, noting some of the unusual rituals that, in retrospect, have led many to question the authenticity of Akatsa’s ministry.

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For many, Dada Mary remains a complex figure; a symbol of both deep faith and disappointment even in death.

Although controversial, his ministry continues to evoke strong reactions and memories among Kenyans and reflects the lasting impact of his time as Kawangware’s prophet.

Source: TUKO.co.ke