In July 2015,the followers were baffled after their self-declared messiah,Jehova Wanyonyi went missing from his Uasin Gishu home.The sect leader, popularly referred to by his followers in western Kenya as “a living god”, left his home and his whereabouts remain unknown to date.
Mrs Atakar from Lodwar now claims that she has been sent to succeed their controversial ‘supreme god’ Wanyonyi.She said that she is the bona fide leader of the sect after she was endorsed by Wanyonyi. According to her, Jehova Wanyonyi is not dead but he is under a very large sea waiting to come back to the world to execute the last judgment. Her sentiments were echoed by her husband, Mr Joab Muhando who also claimed to be Wanyonyi’s angel.He has since been excommunicated from the sect.
However,things took a different turn when the proclaimed ‘high priest’ Eliab Masinde,who doubles as the sect spokeperson said that he is the only one who has the authority to speak with Jehova Wanyonyi.He has also cautioned followers of the ‘Lost Israelites’ against associating with her.Mr.Masinde stated that the self-proclaimed ‘prophetess’ Elizabeth Atakar was excommunicated from the sect on March,2016.
Members of the sect,who have maintained claims that their sect leader, Jehova Wanyonyi, ascended to heaven and did not die as claimed by the local administration, have threatened to take legal action against Mrs.Atakar if she fails to seek for forgiveness for her deeds and also hold rituals to ‘curse’ her for claiming to be their prophetess.
Mr Masinde added that the followers recognise the Bible and they read from both the New and Old Testaments in their preaching. He also insists that Jehova Wanyonyi is alive and will come back to provide leadership and spiritual direction for his sheep.