Kenyan pastor suspended for calling coronavirus a hoax

A Kenyan pastor who called the coronavirus pandemic a hoax and ridiculed hand washing as a means of preventing the virus has been suspended by his church.

Pastor Nathan Kirimi of Jesus Winner Ministry in Meru, central Kenya, had earlier this week lashed out at churches that had closed down over concerns of the virus.

He said the virus was a "rumour" started to test Christians urging his followers to keep attending church.

The overall church leadership has disowned the pastor's statement and said the pandemic is real, and suspended worship at the church.

Pastor Edward Mwai said Mr Kirimi was not speaking for the entire church leadership, and added that they would follow government's directive to suspend all public gatherings.

Various churches have suspended worship and will stream services on Sunday.

Kenya has so far confirmed seven coronavirus cases.

A statement from Jesus Winner Ministry was shared online: