Rev Michael Watenga, an Anglican priest at the Diocese of Kitale converses with patron at a local club in Eldoret City.
On a chilly Saturday night in Eldoret City, just past 9pm, the bass from a popular entertainment joint rattles the windows, laser lights crisscross the packed dance floor, and bartenders weave between tables balancing trays of drinks for revellers.
Some dance the night away while others enjoy their favourite drinks.
Almost unnoticed at first, a man in a collar enters the venue holding a Bible and wearing his usual gentle smile, waving at the crowd.
A few faces turn towards him; some smile, others shy away, while a few whisper to their friends about the arrival of the man of God.
Rev Michael Watenga, an Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) priest in the Diocese of Kitale, is no stranger to Eldoret’s entertainment joints.
For the past two months, he has been visiting nightclubs, bars and pubs in the city, preaching the gospel to people struggling with alcohol and other life challenges.
Rev Watenga has developed a novel approach to ministry, responding to what he calls a waning interest in the church among the youth – he brings the gospel to them even over a beer. He does not aim to judge or cause trouble but to engage with revellers directly.
During his weekends, he moves from one nightclub to another delivering short five-minute sermons, offering prayers, listening to troubled patrons and engaging them in conversations about faith, purpose, relationships and mental health.
His unconventional mission has attracted admiration, criticism and, most importantly, attention from young people who feel overlooked by traditional religious spaces.
“What drives me to preach in clubs is that Jesus came to save those who are considered sinful, not those who are good. In clubs, many young people are depressed and judged by society, the church and parents. I realised these young people would not come to church. They are drowning in alcohol, and we cannot pretend not to see it,” he said.
Boda boda riders
Rev Watenga conceived the idea two months ago while doing market evangelism with boda boda riders in Eldoret.
Observing young people entering and leaving a local joint carefree and staggering, he realised they needed redemption where they were.
Rev Michael Watenga who takes his summons to revellers in nightclubs
After approaching his bishop and seeking permission to preach in entertainment venues, he was given the green light to proceed.
“This particular club was full to the brim. Most of the revellers later revealed to me that they were students and that this was their favourite entertainment spot, since it was more affordable. I was given about ten minutes to address them, and I did. I received a warm reception from the crowd, who requested I speak to them. That encouraged me to reach more venues,” he recalled in an interview with the Nation.
While not every attempt is successful – some clubs deny him permission – he continues undeterred.
Through these visits, he has discovered troubling patterns where many young people confide in him about depression, substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and relationship crises. They say they avoid church because they feel judged, unwelcome or pressured to conform.
“I realised that instead of waiting for them in church, I needed to go to them. The youth just want love – they want to be heard, not condemned,” Rev Watenga said.
In the clubs, Rev Watenga does not interrupt the music. He approaches management, explains who he is and requests a few minutes to preach.
When granted permission, he takes five to ten minutes to share the gospel. He often stands near the DJ booth or at the edge of the dance floor, lifts his Bible, greets the crowd, speaks briefly and prays for peace, healing or protection on their way home.
Stop the fun
Then the music resumes and the revellers continue enjoying their night.
“After my ten minutes, some partygoers return to their drinks, some wipe away tears, and others request to speak to me individually,” he said.
Rev Watenga said he meets hundreds of young people each month. He exchanges contact with those seeking further counselling and drinks soda while interacting with them.
“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,” he said.
Despite praise from many youths, not everyone welcomes his methods.
Some church elders argue that clubs are ungodly spaces and have advised him to stop. But the criticism has not deterred him.
He has received invitations from clubs and youths in other towns, including Nakuru, Naivasha, Kericho, Bomet and Kitale to continue his mission.
He also uses social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook to spread the gospel. While he does not have institutional travel support, contributions from viewers help cover expenses.
“I appreciate my Lordship Rt Rev Emmanuel Chemengich, for allowing me to embark on this mission,” he added.
A second-born in a family of four siblings, Rev Watenga hopes to expand his ministry to more towns and cities. He cites declining traditional church attendance and the need to meet people where they are as primary motivations.
“I aim to engage with individuals outside formal religious settings. The gospel is for everyone, regardless of where they are,” he said.
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