A Kenyan pastor and founder of Bishop Climate Ministries in Camberwell District, South London, United Kingdom, Climate Irungu Wiseman, has appeared in court after being accused of selling “plague protection kits” for £91 as a cure for COVID-19.
Bishop Climate Wiseman is charged with fraud and unfair trading offences after allegedly offering the package, which contained a small bottle of oil and a piece of red yarn as a “plague protection kit”.
Wiseman, the head of the Kingdom Church in Camberwell, south London, appeared at Lavender Hill Magistrates’ Court on Monday August 16.
The 46-year-old is said to have marketed the mixture of cedarwood and hyssop with claims it could be used to “treat, prevent, protect against or cure” coronavirus.
The claims are said to have been made “in person, online, in instructional videos and through testimonial videos”.
Representing Southward Council, prosecutor Ryan Thompson said claims were made that the oil had “cured at least 10 people” in phone calls to the church during the investigation.
He said there was a risk of “harm or death” to those who had bought the oil, thinking it would save them.
Speaking only to confirm his name, Wiseman indicated not guilty pleas to a single charge of fraud and two charges under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations between 23 and 24 March.
Defending Wiseman, Maeve Thornton said the case involved the freedom to practise religion.
The case was sent to the Inner London Crown Court, where Wiseman is expected to appear on 13 September.
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