Reverend Lucy Natasha, the founder of Empowerment Christian Church (ECC) in Nairobi, has announced the indefinite closure of her church’s physical location at Biashara Plaza Rooftop.
The move that was revealed on Sunday, January 11, 2026, comes as a surprise to many congregants, but Natasha insists the church’s mission will continue online while she searches for a new permanent worship space.
Natasha, widely known for her energetic preaching style and strong social media presence, founded ECC to blend spirited worship with motivational teachings.
Over the years, she has built a following among young Kenyans drawn to her vibrant services and digital broadcasts, earning a reputation as one of the country’s most recognizable televangelists.
The church’s closure was officially attributed to “venue challenges” a phrase Natasha did not elaborate on leading to speculation about rising costs and logistical pressures.
In a statement on her social media channels, she urged congregants to remain connected and prayerful, assuring them that ECC’s transition to digital-only services is part of a plan to secure a God-ordained space for worship in the future.
Natasha’s ministry has often straddled on faith and lifestyle branding. ECC’s online reach has been crucial to keeping her followers engaged, allowing her sermons to reach thousands through Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Her rise, however, has not been without controversy. In 2025, she faced criticism for requesting congregants to donate KSh193,000 for a “special anointing,” sparking debates about prosperity gospel practices.
Rumors and media scrutiny around her lifestyle and associations with public figures have also occasionally made headlines, though Natasha has consistently addressed such claims in interviews.
Despite these challenges, her influence remains strong. Early this year, gospel singer Justina Syokau publicly thanked Natasha for a prophecy that appeared to manifest in Syokau’s life, demonstrating the continuing impact of her ministry, even as it operates solely online.
Natasha’s decision to close her Nairobi church highlights the growing intersection of faith and technology in Kenya.
For many young Kenyans, spiritual engagement is shifting from traditional pews to social media feeds, a trend that Natasha seems ready to embrace as she navigates this new chapter of her ministry.
