Pastor Elidamos Livingston Makali defends charging Ksh5,000 for a fast-tracked “Divine Express Service” prayer.
A Nairobi-based preacher, Pastor Elidamos Livingston Makali, has stirred widespread debate online after defending his decision to charge Ksh5,000 for a prayer service he dubs “Divine Express Service.”
The pastor said the fee is for those who wish to receive urgent attention in the spiritual realm without waiting behind what he called “prayer backlogs.”
“By donating, you’re ensuring your prayers skip the line. It’s Divine Express,” Makali said confidently in a viral statement.
Many Kenyans have questioned Makali’s logic and asked for scriptural proof. Steve Egesa, a Christian, openly asked the pastor whether Jesus ever charged for healing or resurrection.
“Add a verse to support your point,” Egesa demanded. “Otherwise, stop this wickedness of selling prayers.”
The criticism highlights a growing concern about commercialised religion, with some Kenyans warning that such trends threaten the true purpose of faith.
Pastor Defends His ‘Ministry Support’
Despite the backlash, Makali insists that the donations are not mandatory, but rather support the logistics of running his church. He also argued that not everything Jesus did was documented, claiming Jesus may have received money through tithes, referencing what he alleged were letters written by Matthew.
“Prayers without donations still happen,” he added, “but don’t expect your blessings to arrive in real-time.”
Pastor Makali also took time to lash out at Nairobi Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria, accusing him of closing down his church.
“This guy shut my church down. He’s just chasing clout,” Makali claimed.
While Makali sees it as persecution, some Nairobi residents have supported Mosiria’s move, calling for crackdowns on noise and questionable churches, especially in Eastlands.
This latest controversy comes shortly after the death of controversial televangelist Gilbert Deya, known for claiming he could help infertile women have “miracle babies.”
Deya, who was once extradited to Kenya over alleged child trafficking, was recently acquitted due to a lack of evidence.
“These new-age pastors are just modern-day versions of Deya,” wrote one user on social media.
The heated debate raises bigger questions about the commercialisation of faith, the blurred line between donations and exploitation, and whether religious authorities are doing enough to regulate rogue pastors.
As more Kenyans speak out, one thing is clear: faith should never be for sale, and those misusing the gospel may soon face not just public wrath, but legal consequences too.
