Kenyan pastor who called coronavirus ‘hoax’ suspended

Nathan Kirimi, the Kenyan pastor who ridiculed handwashing to protect against the “hoax” of the coronavirus pandemic, has been suspended by his church.

Pastor Kirimi, of the Jesus Winner Ministry in Meru, central Kenya, had spoken out against churches that had closed due to mounting concerns over the virus.

He said the global pandemic was a “rumour” that had been started to test the faith of Christians and urged all to keep attending church.

The church leadership has sought to distance itself from his comments and suspended all church services for the foreseeable future.

A press statement released by the church on Facebook said the “statement made by Rev. Nathan Kirimi of Jesus Winner Ministry Meru Branch are his personal opinions and do not reflect the official position of our Church”.

Although the government has not yet taken the step of banning religious services, various churches in Kenya have suspended worship and will stream Sunday services.

The country has so far confirmed seven positive cases of the virus.

Photo: AFP