Pastor John CW quits ministry after 16 years behind the pulpit, turning his eyes to a run for Member of Parliament in what many see as a natural next step for the outspoken Kenyan preacher. The founder of Share the Love Centre Church made the announcement during a packed crossover service on New Year’s Eve, leaving his congregation stunned but supportive as he steps into campaign mode.
It happened right there in the church he built from the ground up. John CW, whose full name is Teacher John C.W, stood before hundreds and said his time preaching from the stage had wrapped up. He spoke with that familiar fire, thanking everyone for the ride and explaining how God laid it on his heart to move on.
“My pulpit ministry has come to an end,” he told them, voice steady but eyes showing the weight of it all. His wife, Evangeline Karimi, stood by his side – he made sure to say they’re leaving together, no one twisting her arm. The crowd clapped, some wiped tears, but whispers started right away about what comes next.
Word had been building for weeks. John CW has never shied from calling out leaders on tough issues like corruption and hard times facing regular Kenyans. In recent talks, he’s gone after politicians for pocketing public cash while folks struggle with bills.
One video making rounds shows him challenging big names to open their bank books for all to see – “Show us where the money goes,” he demanded. He’s turned down fat checks from political types before, saying his work stays clean.
But now, sources close to him say divine direction points straight to the ballot box. “God told me it’s finished here,” he explained in a follow-up clip, framing the switch as obedience, not ambition.
The push for MP feels like a fit. He’s already in full swing – meeting community groups, chatting up youth about jobs, and posting online about fixing roads and schools. Supporters pack his events, wearing shirts with his face and slogans like “From Pulpit to Parliament.”
One fan at a recent gathering said it plain: “He’s been our voice in church; now let him speak for us in Nairobi.” Critics, though, wonder if mixing faith and politics ever ends well. “Will he keep that fire without the collar?” a local elder asked over tea.
John CW’s path hasn’t been smooth. He started young, drawing crowds with messages that hit home on family and faith. Over the years, his church grew into a spot where people found help beyond Sundays – food drives, job tips, even music from his own albums.
His last big push was an album launch tied to the announcement, called Light O’Clock, full of tracks about rising higher. He compared himself to an eagle taking flight, done with the nest but still soaring. No family dynasty here, he stressed – the church moves on without him calling shots.
Young people share stories of how his words pulled them through tough spots. “From saving souls to saving counties,” one tweet read, getting thousands of likes. Others joke about his sermons turning into stump speeches. Even rivals tip hats – one pastor from Nairobi called it brave, saying more leaders should step up outside walls.
Politics in Kenya draws all types these days. Pastors have jumped in before, some winning big, others flaming out. John CW brings a clean slate – no scandals, just a record of helping folks. He talks transparency like no one else, promising to fight graft from the inside.
“I’ve rejected millions; now I’ll make sure yours don’t disappear,” he said in a recent live session. His wife backs him full, posting pics of them hitting the trail together.
Challenges wait ahead. Church members split – some miss him already, others pray for his win. “God opens doors,” one said at a prayer meet last week.
For now, he’s out there shaking hands, listening to gripes about power cuts and bad roads. If the buzz holds, come election day, he could swap the Bible for bills in parliament. Kenya watches close – from altar to assembly, his story keeps turning pages.
