PROPHET CANCELS PRAYER VIGIL AFTER ‘MAMONYA NGAAFE’ FLIER. . . Flier triggered fury among those who feel it was targeted at Sensei Mugo. . . Prophet Williams claims message was not intended to the late karate star

Gilbert Munetsi

A LOCAL church leader, Prophet Michael Williams, has been forced to cancel an all-night prayer vigil after pressure from his Epworth community who felt that the church’s promotional flier was inappropriate and took a dig at musclemen, including the late karateka and fitness trainer Sensei Mugove Muhambi.

Prophet Williams leads The Light of the World Church of All Nations.

Its fliers emerged this week and were promoting the all-night prayer vigil under the theme “OPERATION MAMONYA NGAAFE.”

Loosely translated, it means “OPERATION THE BOUNCERS MUST DIE.”

The all-night prayer vigil was scheduled for tomorrow opposite Domboramwari Primary School.

The words ‘OPERATION MAMONYA NGAAFE,’ coming in a week in which the country has lost two of its biggest names in bodybuilding − Sensei Mugo and Naison Masaka − immediately sparked outrage across social media platforms.

Many interpreted the wording as a thinly-veiled reference to Sensei Muhambi and accused the church of insensitivity and mockery in the wake of his death in a car accident in Harare.

The reaction was swift and furious, particularly in WhatsApp groups featuring friends and admirers of the late martial artist expert.

Some users even suggested that the church leaders should be confronted and punished.

Ironically, Prophet Williams is a neighbour of Sensei Muhambi’s family.

Prophet Wiliams has issued a public defence, claiming the message was grossly misinterpreted.

In an audio recording obtained by H-Metro, Williams stated:

“Yes, I am a neighbour to the Muhambis and I looked at the late Mugove as my brother.

“The poster was created and shared on May 3, weeks before his untimely passing.

“Out of respect, we have since cancelled the event. The theme referred to spiritual warfare – not to ‘Monya Mugo’ personally.

“It was never intended to cause harm or offence.”

The flier has sparked a lot of controversy.Sensei Mugo was laid to rest at Epworth Cemetery on Monday.

The burial ceremony was attended by thousands of mourners, which highlighted the champion karateka and fitness trainer’s popularity.

The mourners included Sports Minister Anselem Sanyatwe, who hailed Sensei Mugo as “a true warrior whose discipline, dedication, and service to the community transcended sport.”

Senior Government officials also attended the burial ceremony.

Despite the cancellation of the all-night prayer vigil, the flier  has left a bitter taste in the mouth for many in Epworth and the body building and karate communities in this country.

Many of them feel the timing and wording were wrong.It highlights ongoing tensions between modern religious messaging and community sensitivities, particularly in close-knit, high-density suburbs.

There are some members of the public who have also questioned why a figure of Sensei Mugo’s stature was not buried at what they perceive as more “prestigious” cemeteries such as Zororo or Glen Forest.

However, sources close to the family confirmed that Sensei Mugo’s burial in Epworth was both a sentimental and practical decision.

Born and raised in the area, before later relocating to St. Martins, he maintained deep family roots in Epworth.

His older brother Elson − a former professional boxer, fitness trainer and Councillor − was also buried there, further solidifying the cemetery’s significance to the family.

As the dust settles, community leaders have called for mutual respect and understanding in both grief and faith, warning against sensationalism that risks deepening wounds.

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