Until Tuesday, February 27, Pastor Raphael Obego, a chaplain from Homa Bay, remained relatively unknown beyond the confines of his county. However, his presence at the county’s second International Investment Conference at Tom Mboya University catapulted him into an unexpected sensation after delivering a prayer before President William Ruto, Governor Gladys Wanga, and other senior government officials.
Pastor Obego's prayer departed from the usual vernacular employed by clergy during such occasions, showcasing an unconventional choice of words that had many reaching for their dictionaries. Despite the surprise, Pastor Obego defended his linguistic flair, stating, “The words I used are common, and most people can easily understand them when spoken.”
With over a decade of experience as a clergyman, Pastor Obego has cultivated a passion for employing intricate language in his speeches and prayers, attributing his linguistic prowess to his extensive study of religious texts. Having pursued theological education through various academic levels, including studies at Pentecostal Bible College in Nyagori and Bugema University in Uganda, he was honored with an honorary degree by Peace Foundation Christian University in the US in 2023.
Reflecting on his unexpected moment in the spotlight, Pastor Obego recounted being approached to deliver the prayer before the Head of State, despite his role as a county chaplain typically involving assigning prayers to clergy during county government events. Despite the impromptu nature of his delivery, his prayer resonated with sincerity, employing words such as “quantum leap,” “brouhaha,” and “circumbulation” to convey earnest supplications for the success of the meeting.
As videos of his unique prayer continued to circulate on social media platforms, Pastor Obego found himself inundated with calls and messages from individuals across diverse backgrounds seeking to engage with his distinctive message. Amidst the unexpected attention, Pastor Obego remains committed to his faith and the power of prayer.