Faith for sale: religious broadcasters accused of running sham lotteries in Kenya
According to local news outlets, a growing number of religious television broadcasters in Kenya are allegedly operating fraudulent gambling schemes under the guise of spiritual programming, exploiting vulnerable viewers through unlicensed “blessing lotteries.” At the centre of the controversy is Yahweh’s Media Services, a Nairobi-based firm controlling several digital stations including Jawabu TV, Madhabahu TV, Yahweh’s TV, and Shahada TV.
The outlets solicit mobile money payments from viewers by promising large cash prizes framed as divine rewards. However, investigations suggest that these draws are manipulated, with employees posing as winners and no legitimate payouts taking place. Viewers are often urged to send initial small amounts (as low as KSh10), followed by escalating contributions based on false assurances of imminent windfalls.
Whistleblowers and secret recordings indicate a deliberate effort to mislead low-income participants, many of whom suffer significant financial losses. The scheme allegedly targets economically disadvantaged demographics by blending entertainment programming with emotionally charged appeals and unverifiable testimonials.
The Betting Control and Licensing Board confirmed that Yahweh’s Media Services lacks a gambling license, while the Communications Authority of Kenya has yet to act decisively against these practices. Regulatory challenges and legal loopholes have enabled these entities to continue operations, raising concerns over consumer protection, media oversight, and enforcement capacity within Kenya’s gambling and broadcasting sectors.
