The Atheists in Kenya Society (AK) has raised concerns ahead of a mega crusade by American televangelist Benny Hinn in Kenya.
In a statement on February 15, 2024, the society asked Kenyans to stay away from the crusade.
“The crusade starts on Saturday, February 24th and ends on Sunday, February 25th at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi. The Atheists in Kenya Society appeals to Kenyans to stay away from Benny Hinn’s crusade,” read part of the statement.
The popular televangelist is set to host the mega crusade in Kenya, after more than two decades since his last visit.
AK accused Hinn of manipulation of countless people to give money to his cause, believing that giving money will be key to activating their miracle.
According to the statement, not even one of Hinn’s miracles has ever been verified.
Also, the society further alleged that the televangelist’s ministry has been investigated by law enforcement agencies in the United States.
Atheists call out the state
“Pastor Hinn shamelessly takes money from the poorest of the poor while providing nothing more than religious entertainment,” AK added.
The society also went to call out the government for the invitation terming it as a shame.
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“It’s a shame that the Kenyan government has allowed Benny Hinn to fleece poor Kenyans of their hard-earned money through stage managed healing antics,” said the atheists.
The society also accused the televangelist of being a dangerous deceiver, a fraud and charlatan who enriches himself at the expense of countless others.
Rachel Ruto invites Hinn
In September 2023, Benny Hinn revealed that First Lady Rachel Ruto had invited him for a government-sponsored crusade in Kenya.
Benny, visibly taken aback, divulged, “Something amazing happened. The First Lady of Kenya flew from Nairobi together with her aides just for one reason; to ask me to come back to Nairobi for a nationwide government-sponsored crusade.”
The announcement during one of Hinn’s live services sparked widespread criticism and discussions among Kenyans back then.
One online critic voiced their disapproval, saying, “Mama Rachel Ruto will waste millions of taxpayers’ money to host Benny Hinn in a crusade to pray for Kenya.”
However, Music Copyright Society of Kenya CEO Dr. Ezekiel Mutua publicly came to her defense as he urged Kenyans not to overreact.
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He further pointed out that other First Ladies have supported various causes without facing such intense scrutiny.
“So, what if the First Lady Mama Rachael Ruto invites Benny Hinn to preach in Kenya? She’s a Christian and she’s pushing God’s Kingdom agenda the best way she knows how.
Other First Ladies who support other ideals push their agendas, some including LGBTQ, and no one makes noise about it. Let’s not make a mountain out of a mole hill,” Dr Mutua stated.
Committee makes clarifications
However, the steering committee responsible for organizing the long-awaited crusade in a statement on February 13, 2024, came out to set the record straight on the crusade’s funding.
The committee said the crusade was not funded by the government.
According to them, the crusade was being organized entirely by Kenyan churches.
“The event has been organized, funded and coordinated by the churches of Kenya, which include both mainstream and evangelical churches in Kenya, with the aim of connecting the body of Christ in Kenya with the global body of Christ,” the statement read by Bishop Harrison Ng’ang’a said.
