Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, founder of the Enlightened Christian Gathering Jesus Nation Church, has reached 7 million Facebook followers, according to figures announced by his media team.
Bushiri’s spokesman, Aubrey Kusakala, said the page has attracted followers from several countries, reflecting the preacher’s growing reach beyond Malawi.
“What makes the milestone particularly interesting is the diversity of the audience Bushiri has attracted. He has increasingly used his platforms to discuss business, entrepreneurship, personal development and charitable activities,” Kusakala said.
He said Bushiri’s business podcasts have also introduced another dimension to his public image.
“Through these programmes, he shares practical lessons on business, investment, leadership and wealth creation, attracting audiences interested in financial growth and entrepreneurship, including people who do not necessarily follow his religious teachings,” he said.
Kusakala added that Bushiri’s growth on Facebook was not an overnight success.
“The milestone represents more than a personal achievement. It demonstrates the growing ability of Malawian personalities to build international audiences through digital platforms,” Kusakala said.
Reacting to the achievement, Bushiri took to Facebook to dismiss suggestions that he is widely disliked, pointing to the growing number of people following his page.
“Bushiri is so hated by many people! Well, that is what our enemies would love to believe. But here is a little problem with that theory: Now, we have reached 7 million followers on Facebook,” he wrote.
One of his followers, John Vuga, from South Sudan, described the achievement as remarkable despite the criticism Bushiri has faced.
“My father, Prophet Shepherd Bushiri, Jesus Christ Himself faced rejection, hatred and persecution, yet His message continued to spread across generations. ECG The Jesus Nation Church, continues to reach and attract more people globally,” Vuga wrote on Facebook.
Local media reported in 2016 that Prophet Bushiri had become the first Malawian personality to reach one million Facebook likes.
