Nabii Yohana, a self-proclaimed prophet hailing from Nandolia village in the Bukembe West Ward of Kanduyi Constituency, has made quite a name for himself, surpassing even the late Akuku Danger’s renowned record.
While the late Asentus Ogwella Akuku had 45 wives and over 210 children, Nabii Yohana has taken the tradition to new heights by marrying 46 wives, who have collectively blessed him with 289 children and 232 grandchildren.
Remarkably, three of his wives have passed away, but he remains undeterred, claiming that he’s far from done with his mission.
According to him, the selection of his wives is divinely orchestrated. He says, “God chooses these wives for me. I have never dated any of them, but God brings them to me. And according to God’s word, I’m supposed to marry up to 48 wives so that I don’t commit adultery.” Nabii Yohana is also known for another striking characteristic – he has never shaved since birth.
This self-proclaimed prophet, who adheres to a strict vegetarian diet, maintains five residences. Six of his wives reside in Soi, Lugari Sub County, five in Kimilili, five in Chereng’any, 16 in Kakamega town, and four in Kitale town. His dietary preferences include saga, suja (bitter vegetables), and murenda, eschewing meat entirely.
Born as Ronald Nakalila Wanyama, Nabii Yohana boldly asserts that he is the reincarnation of John the Baptist, explaining, “I am John the Baptist who was beheaded. I lived as a white man in the US and now Africa, where I’ll live for 280 years.” He further claims that God’s prophecy guarantees his death, followed by resurrection, and an additional 2,700 years of life.
Nabii Yohana declares that he is on a divine mission to “save mankind from corruption, homosexuality, and bad governance.” He believes himself to be “the way, the truth, and the last prophet sent by God.” To fulfill his mission, he has undertaken the monumental task of revising the current Bible, which he deems outdated.
He announces the unveiling of his revised Bible on April 23 at his “Muungano Church of Holy Spirit for All Nations” in Nandolia village, Bungoma. This unique Bible, which took him 68 years to compile, comprises 93 books, including 48 for the Old Testament. Notably, these books bear names such as Mfarisayo Wilson, Agnes, Mfarisayo Geoffrey, Benson (II), Peter Petro, and Mfarisayo Peter, among others. In contrast to the traditional Holy Bible’s division into chapters, Nabii’s new Bible employs verses.
With a substantial following in Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Kisumu Counties, Nabii Yohana is determined to bring change. He insists that all churches in Kenya must migrate by April this year, presumably to embrace his teachings.
Additionally, the prophet intends to petition the government for the replacement of the Kenyan shilling with his own currency, “Mzawadi.” He envisions moving the Central Bank headquarters to the Kenya-Uganda border at Lwakhakha for the launch of his new currency. He criticizes the current currency as a source of societal issues such as corruption, robbery with violence, political assassinations, and the spread of HIV/AIDS. He further contends that the image of President Mzee Jomo Kenyatta on the currency implies that it is his private property.
Nabii Yohana’s influence is not limited to his theological proclamations. He also claims to possess the power to heal the sick and even resurrect the dead. He asserts, “I bring back the dead by jumping over them three times,” and, to heal the sick, “I step on them, and they receive their healing.”
