This archive report was first published on 18 August 2021.
On August 18, 2021, Bishop Climate Wiseman, a Kenyan cleric operating a church in the United Kingdom, was charged with fraud and unfair trading offenses at Lavender Hills Magistrates' Court.
The charges stem from Wiseman's alleged sale of a fake Covid-19 cure, which he marketed as 'Devine Cleansing Oil' and sold for Ksh13,719.
According to prosecutors, Wiseman claimed that the concoction, which consisted of a mixture of cedarwood and hyssop, could 'treat, prevent, protect against or cure coronavirus.'
Prosecutor Ryan Thompson alleged that Wiseman used various channels to promote the bogus cure, including in-person meetings, online services, instructional videos, and testimonial videos.
Thompson also claimed that Wiseman assured buyers that the oil had healed at least 10 people, although there was no evidence to support this claim.
Defending Wiseman, Maeve Thornton argued that her client should not be convicted, citing the freedom to practice religion in the UK.
The magistrates referred the case to the Inner London Crown Court, deeming it unsuitable for their jurisdiction.
Wiseman will be arraigned again on September 13.
