Woman Files Lawsuit Against Prophet Over Witchcraft Accusations

A Kenyan woman residing in the United States has taken legal action against a prophet, seeking compensation of Sh6 million for alleged defamation after being labeled a witch during a preaching session. Adelle Mwanzia, represented by her lawyer Samuel Ochieng, filed the lawsuit at the Milimani Commercial Court.

Mwanzia claims that Prophet David Owusu, associated with Grace Arena Ministries, accused her of being a witch in a sermon broadcast on YouTube on July 22, 2023. According to court documents, Owusu purportedly conveyed to Mwanzia’s sister during the program that she was not only profoundly evil but had also swapped her sister’s life.

The court papers quote Owusu saying, “Your sister Adella is very evil, she is occultic. She is living your life. You were supposed to be in the US and she was supposed to be here. She swapped your life. She does meditation; she is not a Buddhist, she is a witch.”

Mwanzia contends that Owusu’s statements were intended to portray her as an outcast who uses witchcraft to amass wealth. The alleged defamatory remarks were made during an interview with Mwanzia’s sister at Owusu’s church in the Industrial area of Nairobi, subsequently published on the church’s YouTube channel (GAM).

According to the lawyer, the accusations have caused significant embarrassment and distress to Mwanzia within her family, social circles, and the broader community. The lawsuit asserts that the television interview, posted on the widely viewed TV/YouTube channel, exposed Mwanzia to a vast audience, including her children, siblings, close family friends, former schoolmates, work colleagues, employees, and peers in her professional network.

Mwanzia is seeking various forms of relief, including an apology, general damages for libel, general damages for malicious falsehood, and damages for psychological and emotional distress. In response, Owusu has refuted Mwanzia’s claims, describing the suit as frivolous and an abuse of the court process. He asserts that he does not know Mwanzia and plans to move the court to strike out the plaintiff’s claim.

The case is set to be mentioned on January 19, 2024, before Milimani Commercial Court Magistrate Becky Cheloti.