NTV Journalists Face Death Threats After Controversial Nairobi Church Sacred Swindlers Expose
NAIROBI, Kenya — May 27, 2025 — Two journalists from Nation Media Group (NMG) have reported receiving threats to their lives following the broadcast of an investigative documentary exposing a Nairobi-based church allegedly defrauding worshippers through illegal gambling schemes.
Ibrahim Karanja and Frederick Muitiriri, part of the production team behind Sacred Swindlers, an exposé aired on NTV on Sunday, May 25, disclosed on Monday, May 26, that they received a series of threatening calls from unidentified individuals. According to the journalists, the callers remained silent but were believed to be associated with the subjects of the exposé.
In response, Nation Media Group formally lodged a complaint with the Nairobi Regional Commander, George Seda, requesting urgent police intervention to guarantee the safety of the journalists. “This is therefore to formally record the perceived threats to the safety and lives of the said reporters, and to request investigations into the sources of the threats,” read part of the letter addressed to Seda.
The exposé in question revealed how a private organization, Yahweh Media Services—operating under the guise of a religious ministry—allegedly exploited vulnerable members of the public. The documentary detailed how worshippers were conned out of millions of shillings through gambling activities disguised as faith-based miracles, orchestrated by a man posing as a preacher.
Following the public airing of the exposé, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) took regulatory action against Yahweh Media Services. In an official statement, the Authority announced the revocation of the broadcaster’s licence, citing violations related to unlicensed gambling promotions. CA confirmed that Yahweh Media Services was among 33 broadcasters found to be in breach of media licensing laws.
“Even with the directives to suspend advertising of all gambling-related content, a review by the Authority revealed the continued airing of such prohibited content by some broadcasters,” the Authority noted.
The incident has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists in Kenya, particularly those involved in investigative reporting. This is not the first time media professionals have faced threats; in July 2024, several Citizen TV journalists reportedly received threats after covering demonstrations against the national finance bill. At the time, the threats were distributed via fliers shared across social media platforms.
As investigations into the current threats continue, media rights organizations have called on the government to enhance protections for journalists and uphold press freedom in the country.
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NTV Journalists Face Death Threats After Controversial Nairobi Church Sacred Swindlers Expose