Pastor David Maina Karuru, who also goes by the name Prophet David Maina, is now facing serious allegations of fraud related to how he runs his ministry in Kenya.
He is the head of Yahweh’s Evangelistic Revival Ministries, a church that also operates several religious TV stations through a company known as Yahweh’s Media Services Limited.
These stations include Jawabu Television, Madhabahu TV, Yahweh’s TV, and Shahada TV. While they appear to spread the gospel, new investigations suggest that something much darker may be happening behind the scenes.
According to a report by NTV, these TV stations have allegedly been mixing gospel messages with gambling schemes. Viewers are encouraged to send small amounts of money, as little as ten shillings, with the hope of winning big rewards like fifty thousand or even two hundred thousand shillings.
However, investigations show that these so-called raffles may not be genuine at all. Many Kenyans who took part in them are now claiming they lost their money and received nothing in return. Most of the victims appear to be ordinary people, some already struggling to make ends meet, who trusted the church and its leaders.
The Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) has also taken notice. They have stated that on March 13, 2025, they issued Notices of Violation to 33 broadcasters, including the ones linked to Prophet David Maina.
This came after they identified violations in licensing and operations. This means that long before the recent public exposé, the authorities had already seen signs that something was not right. But the release of these details has now brought the issue to the public eye, and many are calling for stricter rules and even prosecution of those involved.
The emotional damage caused to the followers is just as serious as the financial loss. Many people trusted Prophet David Maina as a man of God. Some even believed that sending the money was part of a spiritual journey that could lead to a breakthrough.
To find out that the entire process may have been a scam has left many feeling betrayed and ashamed. Social media reactions show just how upset people are, with many asking how such actions can be allowed to go on in the name of religion.
This story is bringing attention to the wider problem of religious leaders using media platforms to exploit vulnerable people. It is not the first time such a thing has happened in Kenya.
A few years ago, another popular preacher, Pastor Victor Kanyari, was exposed for running fake miracles and taking money from poor followers. Now it appears that Prophet David Maina could be following a similar path, though using more advanced technology and a wider media reach.
