Mary Akatsa: The Self-Proclaimed Prophetess with a Controversial Past

Mary Akatsa, a self-proclaimed prophetess who gained fame in Kenya in the 1980s, passed away in 2024. Her life and ministry were marked by controversy, but she also left a lasting impact on the religious landscape of Nairobi.
Born in the rural village of Mumias in western Kenya, Akatsa claimed to have received a divine calling in her early twenties. She left her husband and children to start her own church, the Jerusalem Church of Christ, in the Kawangware slums of Nairobi.
Akatsa quickly gained a large following, attracted by her charismatic personality and promises of miracles. She claimed to be able to heal the sick, raise the dead, and perform other supernatural feats. Her services were often packed, with people coming from all over Kenya to seek her blessings.
However, Akatsa's ministry was not without its critics. She was accused of using faith healing as a cover for financial exploitation. She was also criticized for her flamboyant lifestyle, which included wearing expensive jewelry and driving a Mercedes-Benz.
In 1990, Akatsa made headlines when she brought an Asian man named Saidi to her church, claiming that he was Jesus Christ. Saidi performed miracles and gave sermons, but his true identity was never fully established. The incident caused a major scandal and led to Akatsa's arrest.
Despite the controversy, Akatsa's followers remained loyal. They believed that she was a true prophetess who was being persecuted by the government and the media. Akatsa's church continued to grow, and she became a prominent figure in the Nairobi religious community.
In later years, Akatsa's health began to decline. She suffered from diabetes and other ailments. She died in Nairobi in November 2024, at the age of 61.
Akatsa's legacy is mixed. She was a controversial figure who was both admired and reviled. However, there is no denying that she made a lasting impact on the religious landscape of Kenya. She showed that even the most unconventional and controversial figures can gain a large following if they have the charisma and the ability to connect with people's deepest hopes and fears.