A video featuring Akorino preacher Danson Gichuhi, popularly known as Bishop Johanna, performing a controversial healing ritual has ignited a widespread debate and elicited strong condemnation.
The footage depicts the preacher applying ointment on the stomach of a female congregant. Responding to the accusations in an interview with Kururia TV, Bishop Johanna defended his actions, clarifying that the woman sought divine intervention for her marital troubles. Allegedly abandoned by her husband, she approached Bishop Johanna for help, traveling from Nairobi for this purpose.
During the interview, Bishop Johana explained, “When she came, I saw she was troubled. I told her the name of the woman her husband had left her for. She then asked me what she should do.”
He further claimed that the video documented a deliverance session in which he was casting out demons. “I was doing deliverance in that video. I was casting out evil spirits from the woman, and they spoke to me.”
Highlighting the effectiveness of his approach, Bishop Johana insisted on the necessity of applying anointing oil directly to the affected area. He maintained that his intentions were solely to assist the woman in her healing journey and alleviate the pain in her stomach area. “You do not do deliverance for someone with stomach problems by applying oil on the head. You have to apply the anointing oil where the pain is,” he explained.
Addressing critics, Bishop Johanna asserted that he has successfully conducted similar deliverance services for numerous followers without any issue. He defended his character, emphasizing his role as a married man and father who collaborates with his wife in ministry. Responding to critics, he suggested that those condemning his actions fail to understand the spiritual significance of his work. “I have a wife, I have children, and I have a lot of things. So those complaining about how I was performing my deliverance are my enemies,” he stated.
Despite Bishop Johanna’s efforts to defend his actions, the controversial healing ritual video faced widespread condemnation. Many Kenyans argued that it was inappropriate and accused him of touching the woman inappropriately under the guise of healing. For instance, Edward Onyaro commented, “Did you know that deliverance doesn’t need physical contact? I thought you should know.” Another user, Mbugua Anna, criticized the preacher, saying, “Total nonsense. In the next interview, ask him if he would want his daughter to experience that or any of his close family, and then he will understand.”
