Why Followers Left “Pastor” Murkomen’s Church

Despite his popularity after joining politics as Elgeyo Marakwet Senator, Onesimus Kipchumba Murkomen is a man with an interesting history, running different errands while at the University of Nairobi.

In an interview on Kiss FM on Thursday, January 30, Murkomen disclosed that he once served as a pastor in Ngara, Nairobi County.

“I was brought up as a staunch Christian and when the role of preaching came my way, I took it wholeheartedly,” remarked Murkomen.

However, this did not last long after his deep accent pushed many members of the congregation away, making him decide to abandon his dream.

"I was a mini pastor. At first, many people would come, and because of my accent, people left, which meant we couldn't collect much. I hadn't learned how to speak in tongues," recalled Murkomen. 

Through his clergy role, the senator was able to earn some money that enabled him to pay for part of his school fees and also cater for his basic needs.

Murkomen stated that he did his best to maintain an ethical life, impacting members with the true gospel.

“I would clearly say that I gave people the true word of God. I cannot regret having served in the altar at all.

"I was a real preacher, and I still believe in it. I was not in the church just for money. There was content, but I also needed the money to pay for university," remarked the senator.

Murkomen further revealed that during his studies at the University of Nairobi, he also served as the chairman in the Christian Union, leading other students in many activities that helped build their faith.

According to a report by The Standard, the senator got attracted to spirituality a long time ago where he always admired to grow in faith like other members of his church at his local church.

"When I was in high school pastors used to come, and people were speaking in tongues, so because I was not, I decided that I needed to start speaking in Marakwet to confuse people because the pastor would never understand. I did it because I did not want to be left out," remarked Murkomen.

In August 2019, Murkomen posted photos of his father, Johanna Murkomen Kanda, who was ordained as a reverend together with 16 others.

The senator who is a close ally of deputy president William Ruto joined politics in 2013, when he won the senatorial seat at on a URP ticket, beating long time politicians like Nicholas Biwott.

Murkomen later retained his position in 2017 on a Jubilee Party ticket, flooring former Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo.

The senator also serves as the leader of the majority at the Senate.