Bishop Wilfred Lai of the Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC) delivered a fiery sermon yesterday, condemning corruption and declaring that corrupt individuals are “cursed by God.”
The bold remarks were made during a church service in Mombasa attended by President William Ruto, sparking widespread attention across Kenya.
Speaking to a packed congregation at JCC Mombasa, Bishop Lai did not mince words, stating, “Corrupt people are cursed. They are cursed by God because they live under the law of curse.”
He went further, warning that those who engage in corruption, including leaders who “steal from Kenyans,” face divine judgment and a “premature death.”
The sermon, delivered on Sunday, February 23, came just weeks after President Ruto was ranked the second most corrupt leader globally by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP).
President Ruto, who arrived at the church at 11 a.m. after missing the morning service due to a tourism engagement, was present alongside Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir.
The president, known for his frequent church visits, listened as Bishop Lai emphasized integrity, urging leaders to prioritize justice and accountability.
" Stay humble hii kiburi ya nini"- This JCC pastor knows the true meaning of injection! pic.twitter.com/Jm9UrTVNR1— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) February 24, 2025
“All these people in Kenya who are stealing and destroying our economy don’t begin by stealing from Kenyans—they begin by stealing from God,” Lai said, adding that such actions invite a curse upon the perpetrators.
The remarks have ignited mixed reactions among Kenyans. Some praised the bishop for his courage in addressing corruption head-on in the president’s presence, while others speculated on the implications for Ruto’s administration, already under scrutiny for economic challenges and allegations of graft.
Social media posts hailed Lai’s bravery, with one user noting, “Hats off to Pastor Lai—this time he didn’t hold back.”
Ruto, who later spoke at a 3:30 p.m. family service at the same church, did not directly address the bishop’s comments. Instead, he focused on his tourism agenda, highlighting the arrival of the MS Norwegian Dawn ship, which brought 2,220 tourists to Mombasa.
Jesus Celebration Centre (JCC) Mombasa County.
— 💎👑 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒈𝒆 👑💎 (@KingChege254) February 24, 2025
Yesterday Pastor Lai didn't spare President Ruto.
He said as it is without fear or favour.
"Corrupt people are CURSED"
Twende nalo kupumzika ni binguni 😆 pic.twitter.com/h8vWu1nukv
“I am proud to welcome visitors as we establish Kenya as a destination for tourism,” he said, sidestepping the corruption critique.
Bishop Lai’s sermon aligns with growing discontent from religious leaders, including the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), who recently condemned Ruto’s government for corruption, abductions, and unfulfilled promises.
The JCC pastor’s outspoken stance adds to the mounting pressure on the administration as it grapples with public frustration over governance issues.
Analysts point out that the sermon could further strain Ruto’s relationship with the church, a key ally during his 2022 election campaign, as faith leaders increasingly distance themselves from his leadership.
Listen to Bishop Wilfred Lai Expose Ruto Over Corruption!We are not Poor and we don't need your handouts!! pic.twitter.com/CiEnThcfDk
— Mutembei TV (@MutembeiTV) February 23, 2025
