The flamboyant Prophet Innocent Muritho is never afraid of causing controversy. In 2021, the businessman and founder of the Faith of Talitha Koum Ministry in Sibasa raised eyebrows when he posted a series of compromising videos on social media while seemingly intoxicated. In the videos, he was seen boasting about his sexual escapades. The pastor was widely condemned by his church members and the public. Bowing to the pressure on him, he publicly apologised to his congregation and the community for his actions.
On Saturday, 29 July, he caused yet another stir when he hosted a luxurious and costly birthday party for his dog, Jackie, who turned seven. The party took place at his church in Sibasa, where a cow was slaughtered to cater for the many guests who filled the church. The guests were requested to give cash, instead of presents, to the dog.
His extreme "act of kindness" towards his dog, however, did not sit well with everyone. Mr Mashudu Malitsha was among those who questioned his generosity. "We have never seen such a thing happen in our community, especially when many people are sleeping on empty stomachs, and poverty and joblessness are the order of the day," he said. "The money spent here could have been put to good use, instead of spending it on a dog. We are very disappointed in this man of God, who collects money from the poor to spoil a dog."
But Prophet Muritho was unfazed about the negative reactions from the community. In a live Facebook post, he defended his actions. "People can say whatever they want, but the fact remains that I love my dogs dearly. You complain about my money. Do we work together for this money? You worry about me not assisting the poor. How many have I helped, and how many have you helped? This is my dog, and I am going to host another party for him and also buy him a car. These dogs also have medical aid, mind you. I fell in love with dogs after I started watching the dogs' channel on TV. If I have the means to spoil my dogs, what stops me from doing that?" he said.