Padre Michael Watenga says broken souls feel safer in clubs than churches
By Valerian Khakayi, December 16, 2025Anglican priest from the Diocese of Kitale, Padre Michael Watenga, aka Padre wa Wote, has explained why he believes many broken and struggling people feel safer opening up in clubs than in churches.
Taking to his official social media account on Monday, December 16, 2025, Padre Watenga disclosed reasons why he decided to preach in nightclubs. According to him, his mission is not about judging people but about saving that one soul through love, listening, and prayer.
He says many people found in clubs are not there because they are lost, but because they are searching for peace, healing, or a place where they feel accepted.
“I am into saving that one soul… I listen more than judge, I love, not hate… we have addicts in clubs; others are just having fun,, and others are just finding peace. There is more than in church! Others are labelled and rejected by family or society! looked down upon! marriage, immediately,” Watenga said.
The Padre, in addition, criticised what he described as growing judgement within some churches, saying believers have created invisible classes of the rich and the poor. He noted that gossip, envy, and harsh judgment have pushed many hurting people away.
Watenga said clubs, on the other hand, offer people freedom to express themselves without fear. He added that not everyone found in clubs is drinking alcohol, and even those who are still deserve compassion.
“Kwa kanisa iko usoro mob... judging each other…iko classes of rich and poor…iko udaku hatari Na more so wivu woii… Kwanza ka huna doo!In clubs, souls are free style I go in 10 min for the sermon,” he said.
He recalled a recent encounter in Nairobi where a young waiter followed him outside a club asking for prayers. The waiter openly shared his struggles, and Watenga prayed with him on the spot.
“Many followers follow me outside they share I pray with them immediately…not actually everyone there drinks…like juzi in Nairobi one young waiter followed me outside ‘padre napitia this that niombee too aky.’ I hugged him, Na kumwombea!byty he had in his hand mutungi ya Moshi or what’s the name but si ya customer yeye he serves..ako slobber ako mboka,” Watenga said.
Mission expansion
The padre has now announced that he is expanding his mission to other East African countries, starting with Tanzania and Uganda. He further appealed for invitations and support from well-wishers to help him reach more people who feel forgotten or judged.
“Officially expanding my mission to East African countries #Tz, Uganda are first on the list #I need an invitation and support, More so from well-wishers, to enable me to touch more souls,” he added.