- Judith Nafula, popularly known as Mama Maria, has died at Busia Referral Hospital while receiving treatment
- Nafula gained national attention in 2025 after claiming a supernatural encounter led her to believe she was Mary, the mother of Jesus
- Her husband, John Wekulo, backed her account, stating that he too had received a revelation identifying him as Joseph
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Judith Nafula, the Busia woman who became a household name across Kenya in 2025 after declaring herself to be Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, died while undergoing treatment at Busia Referral Hospital.
Source: Facebook
The Renewal Charismatic Church of Kenya broke the news through an official statement dated the same day and signed by Presiding Archbishop Felix Barasa.
The church said the congregation received the news with sorrow and observed a moment of silence in her memory.
"With profound sorrow in our hearts, and trusting in the divine mercy of God, I write to notify you that our beloved Mama Judith Nafula (Mama Maria) has returned to the Father's house," the statement read.
Nafula was a resident of Nang'oma village in Matayos constituency and had served as a leader in the deliverance and healing ministry at St Mary's Renewal Charismatic Church.
The church said it would share details of the funeral programme once the family and congregation had completed the necessary burial arrangements.
Claims That Made Her Famous
Nafula first captured national attention in June 2025 when she publicly declared that she had been chosen to embody Mary, the mother of Jesus, in human form.
She told journalists that her conviction stemmed from a supernatural encounter during which a bright light descended from the sky, and a voice identified itself as Christ, sent by God to search for Mother Mary.
Nafula recounted that she had initially told the voice she did not know Mary, only to be told that she herself was the one being sought.
She further claimed to have spent two months on a nearby hill after the encounter, praying and receiving what she described as spiritual revelations.
Her husband, John Wekulo, corroborated her account, stating that he too had received a revelation in which he was identified as Joseph, the biblical figure linked to Mary.
The couple's story divided opinion, with some residents in the region embracing their spiritual claims while others remained sceptical.
Nafula's passing brings an end to a chapter that stirred significant debate around faith, identity and spiritual belief in western Kenya.
Nafula Expelled by Church
Days after her story went viral, she was reportedly expelled from Lwanya Catholic Church for allegedly performing miracles for congregants.
Initially dismissed as crazy or bewitched, Nafula started gaining followers who believed her claims were true.
Her home in Matayos subsequently drew curious visitors, some arriving specifically to seek prayers and healing.
Source: TUKO.co.ke