ESTHER ARUNGA: HERE'S NEWS OF MY LIFE

By JOHN NGIRACHU and JOHN MUCHIRI
FRIDAY NATION
February 19 2010

Former TV anchor Esther Arunga and her spiritual mentor, jazz musician-cum-preacher Joseph Hellon, on Thursday came out fighting in response to media reports that have put them and their church in the centre of a storm.

At a packed press conference at Pizza Garden in Nairobi, the two strongly denied suggestions that they were involved in cult-like activities.

Ms Arunga conceded she had quit her job with KTN, called off her planned wedding and was now living in the church mansion. She said there was nothing strange in that because she was an adult and capable of making her own decisions.

She also denied that she had shut her family and friends out of her life, although her parents and siblings continued to express concern over her well-being.

Mr Hellon blamed the saga on the fact that he had blocked the wedding between Ms Arunga and her fiancée, Mr Wilson Malaba, set for April. Mr Malaba is a former preacher with the church who has since been removed.

“The reason the wedding was stopped was because Wilson’s beliefs, practices and conduct, were contrary to the church’s beliefs and teachings,” said Mr Hellon.

Even though Mr Malaba was a church leader, he was not a registered member, Mr Hellon said, and since he was upset, he allegedly sent unflattering text messages and the matter was now in court.

Mr Hellon said that police had visited the residence to investigate claims that he was a drug dealer and a pimp running a cult. “My house was searched last week, computers and phones confiscated and I was arrested, spent a night at Kilimani Police Station and later arraigned in court, before getting out on bond,” he said.

Mr Hellon also confirmed that Ms Arunga has been living in his house in Runda since March last year.

Media stupidity

“Is there any problem in a 29-year-old grown-up living where they want to live in?” he asked. Ms Arunga attributed everything to “media stupidity”, adding that she was also a journalist and knew there was no rush to do the story.

She explained that she called off the wedding to Mr Malaba on learning “that he was kicked out of the church. That’s why I don’t want anything to do with him.”

However, in a separate conversation with the Nation, Mr Malaba claimed that the wedding was called off after Ms Arunga was told by church officials that a famous American evangelist had identified somebody else for her.

Mr Hellon explained on Thursday that a Kenyan going by the name Quincy Timberlake had indeed joined the church from the UK. “Quincy is with us. He has been my friend since childhood; he went to the UK, came back late last year and we are now doing music together,” explained Mr Hellon.

“His position in church leadership and what he’s up to, apart from the fact that we are doing music together, remains nobody’s business,” he said in response to queries if that was the man destined to wed Ms Arunga. Until recently, Ms Arunga topped showbiz magazine poll charts of top female TV personalities. Her latest move has baffled the local entertainment scene.


The Finger of God Ministries is headed by Mr Hellon, one of Kenya’s top jazz saxophonists and music tutor. Many church officials and members are in show business. Mr Kevin Ombajo, aka Big Kev, told the Nation that he was a member of the church for one year but quit three weeks ago “because things were not handled properly according to the Bible.”

The Runda mansion hosts monthly jazz sessions that attract enthusiasts, including successful women professionals. “Last Sunday we had a church service at Hellon’s house in Runda, at 9.30am,” an informant who declined to be named said. That was when Mr Hellon spoke of a fallout, the result of which was his expulsion of some of his flock because “they were trying to undermine his leadership.”

Visited the home

On Tuesday the Nation visited the home but a guard at the gate said neither Ms Arunga nor Mr Hellon was in. After several attempts to reach the presenter, she answered a call and spoke briefly before hanging up.

Mr Hellon’s wife, Kuyu Hellon, visited the Nation offices the following day and explained that the church began in 2003 and currently has 300 members, up from 60 at the same time last year. She said most of its new members normally seek help after having emotional and other problems in life.

COMMENTS ACROSS THE GLOBE:

Submitted by nyaribari
Posted February 19, 2010 07:30 PM

Dear Arunga. Kindly listen to this true story of Jonestown massacre. Its in you tube. I have a complete documentary. My contact -rkeango@yahoo.com Pt. 1 - 9 Jonestown: The Life and Death of Peoples Temple

Submitted by We_need_a_revolution
Posted February 19, 2010 07:24 PM

Since when did Nation Newspaper become a tabloid..???? If Arunga was 17 i would have understood the furore that the story has generated...but come one the lady is almost 30. Let her live her life.

Submitted by david10742009
Posted February 19, 2010 06:28 PM

I pity Arunga. I used to admire her and even once pointed to my daughters how nice she was. Finger of God is a cult. Arunga must also know, as a christian, that it is her duty to honour her parents, so that her days may be more in this world. Esther, get out of that place and continue with your life. You have many years ahead of you if you just compose yourself!

Submitted by Mjombaa
Posted February 19, 2010 06:11 PM

Hii ni pepo mbaya.

Submitted by Samur
Posted February 19, 2010 06:04 PM

Hapa ,hapa kuna mambo.I have seen many beautifull girls loose in life terribly.Watch this space,iam sure time will tell.How can a well educated girl move to live with someone and forget her life.Pple have to get her a boyfriend?,Surely GOD help this young girl.There is something wrong here.

Submitted by libale
Posted February 19, 2010 05:58 PM

This "pastor" was involved in Tusker Project Fame. Now he openly advocates for consumption of alcohol. Why did Big Kev leave? Somethingis not right. And please stop calling it a church. This is a cult, plain and simple. Remember David Koresh and Jim Jones of yesteryear? Joseph Hellon is headed in their direction. Esther, we know that you are a mature woman but please run while you still can.

Submitted by americankensom
Posted February 19, 2010 05:54 PM

Runda Estate is very very expensive. Could it be about wealth, power and fame with a jazz maestro? Now throw in a UK residing Kenyan who might just marry her. Go for it Esther but take care. Nothing is free. And when you are in trouble you will need your jamii.

Submitted by Oddman
Posted February 19, 2010 05:25 PM

2 sides to this coin, the whole world on one, the finger of God on the other, only one of us can be right. Who is it? Or are we all wrong? Hope we all right.

Submitted by joemuirurithige
Posted February 19, 2010 04:37 PM

it's possession. my brother in law is also possessed. he is not thinking straight, he wants to teach the whole bible to his children and it's not making sence. snap out of it if you can Esther, you are still young with a huge career ahead of you.

Submitted by kiumbani
Posted February 19, 2010 04:30 PM

most kenyan presenters r good examples of what not to b in terms of morals. they r a warning in the society.ofcourse u add mellon on the list!

Submitted by sanyasanya
Posted February 19, 2010 04:26 PM

A church where U can drink alcohol and not get drunk ... to me thats the shocking bit. With upto 8 women in the same compound, I doubt this Hellon guy.And Esther's reason that she lives with him because the house is "spacious" is simply laughable.Anyway if she's been living there for over one year, maybe not so shocking. She's a little girl who needs to grow up.

Submitted by wanaruonawikenya
Posted February 19, 2010 03:47 PM

Is she a Kenyan, Ghanian or Nigerian? i guess from Ghana... Msichana polepole haraka haraka haina baraka!!! Pole for such a negative publicity...

Submitted by snyats
Posted February 19, 2010 03:32 PM

Yeah!she is just another Run away Bride.

Submitted by patodu
Posted February 19, 2010 03:18 PM

Esther has lost it! The way she spoke and her selection of words when she was ranting at the journalists confirms she was not herself! She sounded like someone possessed.

Submitted by ogwemigo
Posted February 19, 2010 03:06 PM

Whether it is insticnt or discernment, I don't know but there are a number of things that make Mr. Hellon and his church outfit suspicious. Esther seems to deny just for the sake of it. Misuse of God's name has a terrible consequence. Only medicine: Repentance B4 it's too late.

Submitted by dannoxy
Posted February 19, 2010 03:05 PM

poor gal, i hope she knows what's she's doing... on second thought, i bet she's got no clue what's she's up to.

Submitted by Nyaminwa
Posted February 19, 2010 02:30 PM

All that was good in her life, she gave up to follow Hell - her family, a good job, a man who loves her. I just hope her eyes are wide open!

Submitted by tynomis
Posted February 19, 2010 02:18 PM

anyone who has worked in media ,advertising , PR will recognize that the Esther Story has given this church - The finger of God lots of free media coverage probably this was Joseph Hellon's idea on how to launch the formerly little known about church?

Submitted by snjeru42
Posted February 19, 2010 01:59 PM

Hii ni Noma maze.'Finger of God,aiya!' Resigning from her job? By the way Godly people have a way of speaking and selecting their words.It was not reflected here.You shall know them by their fruits!

Submitted by mkmukuru
Posted February 19, 2010 01:50 PM

Arunga, i liked u on tv, but now ur gone. I pray GOD TO INTERVENE.

Submitted by jomolet_2000
Posted February 19, 2010 01:33 PM

Surely we are not dealing with a small kid here. Let Esther's private affairs be hers. Of what benefit is her life to many Kenyans still languishing in IDP camps. There are more urgent things and issues that the media should highlight instead of nosing into people's private issues. Why is the media crucifying this kenyan gal for going after her own happiness? Give her a break please.

Submitted by Isaya Baraza
Posted February 19, 2010 01:30 PM

I admired Arunga and her TV shows. Yes she is a grown up and she is subject to her on decisions and life but it depends on what life she has decided to be. How can a successful woman abandon her livelihood and go stay in celibacy in someone's house? A church is an open place where all worshippers go to pray and on monday they report to their respective jobs. Why did MS Arunga walk out of her plum job sincerely? Can an average person behave the same? NO. Please help this lady.

Submitted by bashe1
Posted February 19, 2010 01:25 PM

This is a no news issue and should never have been printed on a respected nation newspaper. The era of tabloid scandal news are here in Kenya with a vengeance.

Submitted by kariakangi
Posted February 19, 2010 01:13 PM

You mean joining this hellonic church (and following hellonic laws) can land one such a bounty??. Where did they say the 'church' is? Rund?. and which matatu number goes there and how much is the fare on sundays?. Please help Mr. Editor

Submitted by Mbirime
Posted February 19, 2010 01:12 PM

Mr. Hellon, your hairstyle leaves a lot to be desired. And the name "Finger.." please. As for Ms Arunga, well, you will find yourself soon, if you may be lost. I agree with you on your freedom to jilt.

Submitted by wanja2003
Posted February 19, 2010 01:10 PM

obviously this is a waste of time..

Submitted by charlesokola
Posted February 19, 2010 01:02 PM

She is not strikingly gorgeous as some people here are trying to make it seem. Being in the media, Arunga finds herself in the public limelight. Strange as her actions might be, they are her private affairs. Let us highlight the plight of the IDPs for a change.

Submitted by wangukabugi
Posted February 19, 2010 12:36 PM

Its her life for sure... however, if you ever hear me speaking like this and see me behaving this way... pl call my family on 0722 xxx xxx and persuade them to have me sectioned under the Mental Health Act!

Submitted by mak
Posted February 19, 2010 12:28 PM

Someone please remind me ... why are the private affairs of a mere TV presenter national news? How bizzare; must be some form of collective national escapism.

Submitted by PabloPolitikos
Posted February 19, 2010 12:25 PM

Yes indeed the end time is here and now, all these unfoldings are just but signs as Jesus Christ stipulates in His holy teachings. As Christians we are called to get back to the basics for we do not know when the time will come. Juzi Mombasa ilukuwa ni gays getting married now it this saga of arunga hellon and timberlake who are these fellows and what are they upto Men Stay in the the word and you shall find the truth and the Truth shall set you free

Submitted by m2mawiz
Posted February 19, 2010 12:05 PM

I am concerned, where are her friends or those who have always created the impression that they are her friends? They could have atleast helped the situation before it came to this point!!! They could also have kept it chini ya maji and dealt with it at a low profile level... Shame on you and STYLE UP ALL you 'friends' of E. A!!!

Submitted by adhiambosianda
Posted February 19, 2010 10:30 AM

Let me tell you this from my 29 year life experience: A woman that says she's 29 is more than 30 yrs old. Two, a church that only attracts young, rich and talented beautiful people is suspicious. damn suspicious!

Submitted by QueenCEO
Posted February 19, 2010 10:19 AM

I have lost all the respect I had for this really admirable lady....... Kizuri chote kina ubaya wake

Submitted by pambazuko
Posted February 19, 2010 09:43 AM

This is just a pure case of a jilted boyfriend getting revenge. If ts true that both Esther and the boyfie had been attending this Finger (or Leg or whatever part)of God Church, and Esther had been staying at Hellon's place from March 09 and both her family and the boyfie didn't have an issue with it, why is it becoming an issue now?

Submitted by christaka
Posted February 19, 2010 09:42 AM

"ajabu ya samaki kukata maji na kuhamia nchi kavu" It's about that time that we realize that we have other powerful juju in this world to confuse all of us. i think its high time that we institute measure that govern how churches are to be formed or created, in as much as we have the freedom of worship the so called 2nd generation churches are duping the flock. Esther we still love you its never to late for redemption. just come back home

Submitted by kenbossia
Posted February 19, 2010 08:56 AM

Let Esther go about her business peacefully. Nevertheless, she should also heed the wise counsel of her family. They love her and that is why they are concerned with her links whether private or public.Not all that glitter is gold mate!!!G'day.

Submitted by Kathungu
Posted February 19, 2010 08:55 AM

The media is not fair to Arunga...plse give her a break!!

Submitted by Rotay
Posted February 19, 2010 08:27 AM

These are private affairs and should be left at that. It does not add value to Kenyans lives.

Submitted by wkithi
Posted February 19, 2010 06:40 AM

Please pray for Miss Arunga, she is not in the best of positions.I do not think she made sound decisions.Not unless God has clearly spoken, you do not throw your career away like that.Now this "man of God" wants to be president of Kenya?Be careful.Christ is suppossed to be above everything.Churchianity is very dangerous.

Submitted by ensoko
Posted February 19, 2010 04:44 AM

Non of my business but something just doesn't add up in this saga.Time will tell.Over to Mr Malaba with his version please.

Submitted by nyambia
Posted February 19, 2010 02:57 AM

The greatest demons are found in church these days. It is beginning to be a real turnoff.

Submitted by gm1971
Posted February 19, 2010 02:22 AM

She is entitled to her privacy. I only wonder how quick she has managed to get another fiancee. Too, christians should preach forgiveness.

Submitted by Chiga2010
Posted February 19, 2010 01:57 AM

I call it comic relief. Thanks DN, its good to take some leave from politics and plunge into something more sizzling! Keep them coming!

Submitted by jokaseda
Posted February 19, 2010 01:43 AM

I cannot judge what goes on at this Hellon guy’s church, but having watched many similar outfits here in the United States and Guyana, I fear for Arunga; remember Jim Jones saga? See the video, and I promise you, some may run for their lives! God is never mocked! His name shall never be used in vain, be careful don’t say Seda never warned you? I wish them well, but plse. reexamine the truth!

Submitted by owinodick
Posted February 19, 2010 12:22 AM

too bad. Its all showing the marks of a cult. denials will not help. esther needs help! Dr owino-Ong'or

Submitted by kiurires
Posted February 18, 2010 11:54 PM

It does not make sence to keep mendling with people's private personal lives they are not of any importance in building the nation.

Submitted by maricus
Posted February 18, 2010 11:49 PM

Is this a case of spiritual or earthly attraction? Irresistable!

Submitted by Treaty
Posted February 18, 2010 11:44 PM

Two or three wolves pretending to take care of a single sheep!She might be a good sapranoist!

Submitted by wagatungu
Posted February 18, 2010 11:38 PM

Esther is learned, intelligent, honest, with integrity, bounty, beautiful, with a body any man would like, and name it.... but she looses all the focus available in this world. Watch this space.

Submitted by keoles
Posted February 18, 2010 11:35 PM

Esther be carefull of some of this people claiming to be pastors.Pray to God and don't be misused by someone who want to choose for you another man or himself.You are really ashaming us.Reason and move out of that house.Go back to your boy friend.How clan is that pastor,even by looks ????

Submitted by mwanamfalme
Posted February 18, 2010 10:04 PM

Well, Esther is intelligent enough to choose what is best for her. I do not have enough information to get judgmental and I think nobody should. One thing I am sure though is that I will deeply miss her on TV. She was so elegant... and that smile!

Submitted by yesuwangu
Posted February 18, 2010 09:59 PM

Oh men Privacy is important.whats the point here some journalist are better of employed with FBI or CIA or CID .Arunga has just been livivng her life what is very strange that she had to be pursued and frustrated by fellow press.as long as she comes on duty and has not commited any offence live her alone.pleas appologise to her

Submitted by somenta
Posted February 18, 2010 09:46 PM

Does Hellon belief in one wife one man Bible teaching? Was Walaba in anyway threatening Esther’s life after she broke from him? Is Esther homeless after quitting her job or needed some financial assistance of some kind? My hope is that Esther hasn’t been brainwashed to appoint of drinking cyanide or becoming a suicide bomber of some type. Also let us hope that Hellon didn’t defrock Walaba realizing that they were competing after this cute lady. There are very many moving parts here the press is not revealing to us.

Submitted by mboka
Posted February 18, 2010 09:44 PM

@Veritas, this is news and nobody put a gun on your head to read it. Mr doctor is out and your commet is making me nervous. Now as for Esther case, my full support mami. I admire what u have achieved, dont worry about the haters. Let them die hating.

Submitted by veritas
Posted February 18, 2010 09:12 PM

Dear Editor, kindly, I request all those involved to spare us. Including the Daily Nation. We have more serious issues facing our country than what consenting adults are doing behind closed doors. For crying out loud, there are 40million people in Kenya. Why don't we question their personal lives. So as long as the Church is not sacrificing our children or embezzling money, which is a police issue, please let them be!

Submitted by jakager03
Posted February 18, 2010 08:55 PM

Interesting how this church business goes. Since when did pastors start housing single ladies in their houses? If Ms Arunga was homeless I imagine the church would have helped her with rent for an apartment! And what about this 'new guy in the block'? I bet this was the whole plot to stop Ms Arunga's wedding in the first place. Stop hiding under God and Bible while doing wrong!!

Submitted by r.kariuki
Posted February 18, 2010 08:38 PM

Kenya is refuge to all manner of questionable characters. I have no problem on who grown ups choose to live with but this man is preaching very unchristian activities like you can consume alcohol as long as you dont get drunk!

Submitted by billionario
Posted February 18, 2010 08:19 PM

Hey hey hey, ngoja kwanza. Media reports about this saga are lopsided. First and foremost everyone should know that Hellon is a married man, yes you heard me right, he has a wife in that Runda house. So, Esther Arunga is living with 'them', not with "him", okay? Second,Hellon is well known within the christian fraternity as a church leader (apart from his music). Am sure many pastors can vouch for him unless he has changed suddenly (which I doubt)

Submitted by Nayarobi
Posted February 18, 2010 08:06 PM

I don't know you personally Ms Arunga, neither do I know anything about your current church nor about Hellon, but I strongly sense a possible serious deception going on. You may be in denial. It's good that you are seeking God, but be able to separate between God and man. If fellow christians are uneasy about developments in your life, my dear you need to think twice, there may be a good counsel for you from them.

Submitted by mwanoo1
Posted February 18, 2010 07:55 PM

who the hell are these two fellows?

Submitted by gietmany
Posted February 18, 2010 07:31 PM

Who really cares whether you are (Hellon) and Ms Arunga a cult or not.Devil worshippers, judaism, catholics, protetants and many other denominations are operating in Kenya...so please practice your religion but when the truth come out later, what will you Mr. and ms Hellon and Arunga tell but now you are vehemenly denying this allegation?