Eldoret Pastor Detained After Failing To Pay KSh 370k Bill Incurred While Fasting, Praying At Hotel

• Alex Munyoki and two associates found themselves in a tight spot, appealing to well-wishers for assistance after being arrested and detained
• Munyoki and his companions set up camp at the Goshen Hotel to pray for the country amid challenging economic times
• According to Munyoki, his American associate had initially promised to cover the expenses during the prayer period

A 39-year-old pastor, Alex Munyoki, and his two companions are seeking help from well-wishers after being arrested and detained in Eldoret.

The pastor and his accomplices were put in custody for conducting a 41-day prayer vigil at a hotel in Eldoret without settling a bill exceeding KSh 371,000.

Pastor Alex Munyoki and his associates took residence at the Goshen Hotel to fervently pray for the country amidst challenging economic times.

The trio now faces charges at the Eldoret Court for obtaining services under false pretences.

According to Pastor Munyoki, a supporter from America had initially pledged to cover the expenses incurred during the prayer marathon.

However, communication with the benefactor was abruptly cut off, prompting the hotel management to take legal action.

The incident unfolded on March 28, 2023, when Pastor Munyoki booked three prayer rooms for their spiritual endeavour.

During the court hearing on Tuesday, December 5, 2023, the accused expressed gratitude to the hotel management for their patience during the 41-day ordeal while they explored ways to settle the accumulating bill.

"I am a widely recognized pastor in Kitui County, and I am committed to resolving this matter with the hotel. I appeal to well-wishers, including the former Nairobi County Governor, Mike Sonko, to assist in this situation," pleaded Pastor Munyoki.

The pastor clarified that the extensive prayer sessions were dedicated to the nation, expressing disappointment that the individual responsible for covering the costs had gone off the grid.

He reiterated his commitment to resolving the outstanding debt.

Pastor Munyoki, along with 32-year-old Gilbert Muzami Mukisa and Lilian Namangasa Walukana, face charges of falsely obtaining hotel services, a violation of the law.

The trio vehemently denied the charges before Senior Magistrate Richard Odenyo, maintaining their faith that divine intervention would see them through.

In his court testimony, Munyoki claimed that he received a divine directive in a dream about the imminent coming of Jesus. He sought two friends to join him in the prayer vigil.

At the time of their arrest, Munyoki, a Kitui County resident raised in the Redeemed Gospel Church, informed investigators that he was led to the specific hotel by a divine revelation.

The three individuals shared a single room, with Mr. Munyoki and Gilbert sharing a bed, while their female companion utilized another room for daytime and nighttime prayers.

Magistrate Odenyo granted the accused bail, set at KSh 80,000 or a cash deposit of KSh 60,000 each.

The case is scheduled to resume on December 6, 2023.