The founder of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church in Kisumu, Father John Pesa, has died while receiving treatment at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital.
Sharon Akinyi, one of the church workers, said the cleric had visited the hospital the previous day and returned home, but later died while being taken back to the facility.
“I was not with him today when he was being taken to the hospital, but I was with him yesterday. He went to the hospital and came back. However, today, when he was taken back, he passed away,” she said.
Holy Ghost Coptic Church Founder Father John Pesa Is Dead
A mortuary attendant also confirmed that the cleric’s body was received at the facility at around 11 a.m. on May 28 and was subsequently preserved at the hospital mortuary.
George Otieno, a boda boda rider, narrated that screams were heard from his residence, after which family members were seen mourning upon arrival at the scene.
He said the cleric would be remembered for his good deeds, especially his dedication to caring for the sick.
Also Read: Veteran Radio Jambo Sports Commentator Diblo Kaberia Dies
How He Rose to Fame
In 1971, broke away from the Roman Catholic Church to form his own religious movement.
He later founded the Holy Ghost Coptic Church of Africa, setting up its base along the busy Kisumu–Kakamega Highway in Mamboleo.
In 2020, during a high-profile visit to pray for then-Deputy President William Ruto at his Sugoi home, he drew widespread attention after a biblical reference in his sermon in which he mistakenly stated that King Solomon killed Goliath.
The remark quickly went viral on Kenyan social media, attracting widespread online reactions.
Also Read: Kiraitu Murungi’s Daughter Anita Kendi Dies
In 2023, the Senate Committee on Religious Organizations made shocking findings at the Holy Ghost Coptic Church in Kisumu, where eight mentally ill individuals were rescued.
The committee established that some individuals reportedly struggling with mental health conditions, substance abuse, and personal disputes were being held within the church premises under the guise of faith-based healing.
According to the committee, the victims were discovered in locked cells and were immediately evacuated to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for urgent medical care and psychological support.
However, Father John Pesa denied the allegations, insisting that all individuals admitted to the facility had been brought in with consent from their families or guardians. He also told the committee that the practice would be discontinued going forward.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
