In a move that has sparked conversation from the pews of Nairobi to the dance floors of Eldoret, Reverend Michael Watenga is taking his unconventional "nightclub ministry" beyond Kenya’s borders.
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The Anglican priest, known for swapping the traditional pulpit for the neon lights of the North Rift’s nightlife, has announced plans to expand his outreach across East Africa.
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This bold mission aims to reach young people who feel disconnected from traditional religious institutions.

Stepping into the Neon Light

Reverend Watenga first made headlines in late 2025 when videos of him in full clerical attire, flanked by club hostesses at Eldoret’s popular Timba XO, went viral.
Rather than condemning the revellers, Watenga offers five-minute sermons, prayers, and a listening ear.
Reverend Michael Watenga // X
His philosophy is simple: meet people where they are. He focuses on tackling depression, addiction, and the "silent struggles" that many young people face under the cover of the night.
"I’m not in the club to stop the fun. I’m there to remind them that God loves them and wants them to change their ways." — Reverend Michael Watenga.

Crossing Borders

The success of his mission in Eldoret has led to a surge in demand from other major towns.
Having already received invitations to Nakuru, Naivasha, and Kericho, the expansion will now target major regional hubs, including Kampala, Uganda and Arusha, Tanzania.

A Ministry of Presence

The priest’s approach remains strictly one of "presence." While the bass thumps in the background, he sticks to drinking soda and exchanging contacts for those seeking deeper counselling.
Key Pillars of the Club Ministry:
  • Mental Health First: Offering a safe space for youth to discuss anxiety and unemployment.
  • Non-Judgmental Outreach:Engaging without the "fire and brimstone" rhetoric.
  • Digital Integration: Using TikTok and Facebook to maintain connections with "the lost" after the club lights go down.
    Reverend Michael Watenga // X 
  • The Diocese of Kitale has given the green light for the expansion, though the move remains controversial among some church elders. Nevertheless, with a growing following, Michael Watenga’s "Padre in the House" movement is set to redefine modern evangelism in the region.