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A hotel with 94 rooms, luxurious cars and a Prophet

Prophet Owuor standing on a chair in front of  Merica hotel praying for his congregants after concluding his crusade on March 17, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

When he drove into Nakuru city at around 8.40pm on Friday, one would be forgiven to think President William Ruto was in Town.

But No. The sirens, luxurious cars and cheers from a swelling crowd outside Merica hotel were all courtesy of Prophet David Owuor.

Dressed in a crisp blue suit complemented by his trademark long beard, the Man of God stood on top of a makeshift pulpit set for him.

On this stage, he spoke to his followers, an excited group of men, women and children wearing ankle length dresses and suits.

Prophet Owuor addresses his followers outside Merica Hotel on March 15, 2024 when he arrived in Nakuru.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

After this, he disappeared into Merica hotel where all 94 rooms had been booked for him and his entourage.

The hotel that usually stands bare showing its cream exterior was now decorated with orange, white and blue drapes with flowers suspended on them.

At the entrance, a red carpet welcomed its guests in true Kingly fashion.

Decorations outside Merica hotel where Prophet Owuor stays when in Nakuru.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

You see, the coming of Prophet Owuor to Nakuru city is always marked by several changes and a disruption in the normal operations.

Closure of some roads and decorations of sections of the road are common features. In this case, some of the roundabouts were also decorated with the same colours including KFA and Eveready.

Decorations at the Eveready round about put up during Prophet David Owuor's crusade in Nakuru.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

The street light poles were not spared either.

On his return to Merica hotel from the crusade on Sunday, a better part of Kenyatta Avenue was closed off by police officers, between Nyayo garden and Moi Road to allow a smooth entry and exit of his motorcade.

Some of the luxurious cars that formed part of Prophet David Owuor's motorcade outside Merica Hotel.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

In classic presidential style, Prophet Owour was escorted by over 20 luxurious cars ranging from Range Rovers to posh Mercedes. The occupants of these cars are mostly his preachers and esteemed guests attending the crusade.

Mumias East MP Peter Salasya was among the leaders who received Prophet Owuor at Merica hotel.

Mumias East Mp Peter  Salasya meets Prophet Owuor at Merica hotel on March 17, 2024.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

About a week before his arrival, the crusade's venue was a beehive of activity. Different service groups including Kenya Power officials were present devising ways of lighting up the expansive Menengai grounds.

This they managed as the nights leading up to the start of the crusade were characterized by blinding flood lights at the venue.

However, notably, there was no large tent to shield the thousands of people from Nakuru's scorching sun. They, together with their spiritual leader braved the sun all in pursuit of spiritual edification.

Worshippers of Repentance and Holiness Ministry congregate at Menengai grounds for a crusade led by Prophet David Owuor.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/MTAA WANGU

Other than that, the end of the crusade was marked by traffic jam at the Njoro interchange as the crusade attenders found their way home.

Some went their way on foot while others scrambled to get into the vehicles parked along the Nakuru-Njoro road.