The lent season is a time of reflection and spiritual growth for Christians around the world, as they prepare for the observance of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, in Kenya, the focus has shifted to a self-proclaimed messiah named Eliud Simiyu, also known as Jesus of Tongaren, who claims to be the real Jesus of the Bible.
As Easter approaches, online rumors have surfaced claiming that Mr. Simiyu is fearing for his life as some residents of Bungoma are calling for his crucifixion during Easter, in a bid to test his faith and see if he will rise again on the third day like Jesus Christ did.
“Yesu was Bungoma now claims his life is in danger, Easter is coming. This is after a section of residents of Bungoma were overheard saying he must be crucified during Easter the same way Jesus was crucified. The residents have assured him that if he is truly the Messiah, he will resurrect on the third day and go to heaven after the crucifixion so he should not worry at all,” the netizen wrote.
The post drew some comical comments online.
“Have the residents identified the two thieves yet? It has to be real you know,” said one user.
“Yesu tulia, njia ya msalaba yaja,” another said.
“Surely we must test his faith like the way Jesus Christ was tested,” someone else commented.
“We want to know the truth if he is the true messiah, hii mambo na porojo we don’t want,” yet another user said.
Mr. Simiyu, who is the founder and leader of the New Jerusalem sect based in Lukhokwe village, Tongaren Constituency, has been a controversial figure since he started preaching in 2009 after a family quarrel. He claims to have powers to perform miracles and prohibits his followers from using their official names.
