Rev. Ndura Waruinge’s life story is a riveting tale of transformation—from a life steeped in crime to becoming a man of faith, a leader of change, and a father to 25 children. His extraordinary journey offers lessons in resilience, redemption, and responsibility.
Humble Beginnings in Bomet
Born in Kericho, Bomet County, Ndura Waruinge grew up in a large polygamous family as the 14th child of General Waruinge, a founding member of the Mau Mau movement. Despite his family’s historical significance, Ndura’s early life was far from easy.
He pursued education at various schools, eventually attending the University of Nairobi, where he explored diverse fields, including Psychology, Ecology, and Criminology. Yet, Ndura confessed that school never brought him joy.
A pivotal move to Nairobi in search of a better future marked the beginning of a turbulent phase in his life.
The Road to Crime
Dreams of joining the military led his family to sell livestock to raise Ksh 15,000, which was entrusted to a man who promised to secure Ndura a job. However, the man disappeared with the money, leaving Ndura stranded in Nairobi.
Desperation pushed him to the streets of Dandora, where he began pickpocketing to survive. This phase eventually culminated in the formation of the infamous Mungiki sect, which started as a youth empowerment initiative but spiraled into one of Kenya’s most feared organizations.
Life on the Edge
Ndura’s association with Mungiki made him a marked man. He claims to have been arrested 52 times, shot 12 times, and poisoned nine times. One of the most astonishing episodes was when he survived a botched execution—an event he describes as miraculous.
These near-death experiences convinced Ndura that his life was meant for a higher purpose.
A Leap of Faith
Salvation came through a prayer from Pastor James Ng’ang’a, sparking a profound change in Ndura’s life. He joined the Christian Foundation Fellowship, starting as a janitor and rising through the ranks before founding his own church, Crusaders for God, in 2019.
Today, Ndura is committed to charitable work, including rehabilitating street boys involved in drugs and crime. He provides shelter, food, and vocational training, helping them rebuild their lives through furniture-making and tailoring.
A Complex Family Life
Ndura’s past life left a unique legacy—25 children from 21 different women. Constantly on the run during his time with Mungiki, he formed relationships in various towns, unknowingly fathering children across Kenya and beyond.
Realizing the impact of his actions, Ndura took responsibility, bringing as many of his children together as possible.
“I knew a wife could cause division, so I decided not to remarry. I hired help to care for them while I provided for their needs,” he shared in an interview.
Out of the 25 children, only three share the same mother. The rest were born to different women, and Ndura continues to search for others who might still be unaccounted for, some reportedly living as far as Japan and Moscow.
Redemption and Purpose
From being a wanted criminal to a preacher and mentor, Ndura Waruinge’s life is a testament to the power of redemption and the resilience of the human spirit. His mission now focuses on spreading faith, helping the less fortunate, and ensuring his children grow up as a united family.
