Are Padre Michael Watenga’s nightclub sermons an effective way to connect with Gen Z?
By Valerian Khakayi, November 23, 2025Anglican Priest from the Diocese of Kitale, Padre Michael Watenga, aka Padre wa wote, has been making headlines across Kenya, not for traditional church sermons, but for taking his message in nightclubs and to partygoers.
His approach has sparked curiosity and debate, leaving many asking: Are these nightclub sermons an effective way to connect with Gen Z?
Padre Watenga’s strategy is simple yet unconventional. Instead of waiting for young people to come to church, he goes to where they spend their time, the lively, music-filled spaces of nightclubs.
By bringing faith into environments familiar to the youth, he aims to make spiritual messages more relatable and engaging.
Watenga’s approach challenges the traditional image of a priest confined to a church pulpit. By taking the sermon to the places where young people socialise, he is meeting them in their world, making religion feel less distant and more accessible.
For many in Gen Z, who often see formal religious spaces as outdated, this approach could make faith feel relevant and approachable.
Reasons for club visits
Padre Watenga has so far visited several wine and spirit shops as well as nightclubs located in Eldoret, including the famous club owned by Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, Timba XO club.
The man of God, who is also vocal on TikTok, in a video said that before he started his visits to partygoers, he sought permission from his superiors. He also revealed plans to expand his outreach beyond his usual areas.
He noted that his mission is to preach the gospel, offer prayers, and bless people. He emphasised that those in nightlife spaces were valuable, saying they were important individuals, and added that even those who drink alcohol are still people who matter.
Padre Watenga says he intends to move from Nairobi to Nakuru, Kisumu and other major towns, encouraging people to invite him to clubs so he can continue spreading his message.
“I have been thinking about it, have been praying about it and asked permission from my superiors, so I will be visiting different clubs, big and small, in different counties mkini invite tunaelewana alafu ntajua ntawafikia aje nakuja kupiga injili nakuja kupiga sala, bless you people, I pray for you,” he said.
“Nyinyi ni watu wa maana, you are an important person. Drunkers are human beings, too. This gospel should go deeper than a bottle of alcohol. It should reach their hearts and transform their lives. I do not judge. Even Jesus did not judge. I meet everyone; I mingle with them. I will start going from Nairobi, Nakuru, Kisumu, and all over.”
Message to partygoers
His message whenever he visits partygoers is for them to have wisdom in the mind, Jesus in the soul, money in the pocket, food on the table, and good relationships with God, neighbours, the environment, and themselves.
“Akili Kichwani,Yesu rohoni, pesa mfukoni, chakula mezani, mausiano mema kaki yangu na mungu na jirani na mazingira na mimi mwenyewe,” Watenga’s message to partygoers.
Padre Watenga’s nightclub sermons may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but they highlight the importance of adapting religious messaging to the interests of Gen Z.