The National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK) has publicly distanced itself from recent miracle healing claims made by preacher David Owuor, urging Kenyans to exercise caution and avoid abandoning medical treatment based on unverified spiritual assertions.
In a strongly worded statement, the church umbrella body emphasized that no individual preacher possesses exclusive divine authority to heal. According to NCCK leaders, healing whether spiritual or physical remains the work of God alone, not clergy, and should never be presented as a substitute for professional medical care.
The remarks follow a recent high-profile crusade where Owuor claimed that people had been healed of serious conditions, including HIV and neurological disorders. These declarations have sparked widespread public debate, drawn the attention of health authorities, and raised red flags among medical professionals and religious leaders alike.
Speaking to the media, NCCK National Chair Rev. Elias Otieno underscored the importance of balance between faith and science, warning that religious influence should never place lives at risk.
“We believe in prayer and faith, but God does not cancel medicine. No pastor should present themselves as the source of healing or discourage patients from seeking treatment. Doing so is reckless and dangerous,” Rev. Otieno stated.
The council further noted that the controversy highlights long-standing weaknesses in the regulation of religious institutions in Kenya.
According to NCCK, the rise of independent churches operating outside established accountability structures has created space for practices that may mislead or endanger followers.
Rev. Otieno explained that the lack of a unified oversight framework has resulted in conflicting doctrines and unchecked claims, calling for structured engagement rather than confrontation.
“When pastors operate without any accountability, it becomes difficult to protect congregants. Regulation is not about silencing preaching it is about safeguarding lives and ensuring responsibility,” he said.
NCCK reiterated its support for proposed legislation to regulate religious organizations, stressing that any framework must be developed through broad consultation with faith leaders and the public to avoid misinterpretation.
Meanwhile, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has directed medical practitioners linked to the alleged healings to provide evidence supporting the claims or risk professional sanctions. The Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Council has also cautioned patients against stopping prescribed medication without medical approval.
Despite the mounting scrutiny, Owuor has maintained that his ministry’s healing claims are genuine, asserting that dozens of individuals have been cured through prayer.
