End of an era as controversial Father Pesa buried

The final chapter of one of Kenya's most controversial and enduring religious figures came to a close on Saturday as  Father John Juma Pesa I, the founder and spiritual leader of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church of Africa, was laid to rest at the church headquarters in Mamboleo, Kisumu County.

For more than six decades, Father Pesa stood at the center of faith, mystery, controversy and devotion, building a religious movement that attracted thousands of followers while simultaneously drawing criticism and curiosity from many outside the church.

Father Pesa died on May 28, 2026, at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital while undergoing treatment. He was 87.

Earlier on Saturday, mourners gathered at Jomo Kenyatta Stadium in Mamboleo for a requiem mass before his body was transported to the Holy Ghost Coptic Church headquarters along the Kisumu-Kakamega Road, where he was buried in accordance with both his wishes and the church constitution.

Clergy, church members and faithful and his followers attended the ceremony to pay their last respects to the man many simply knew as "Owigo." Yet, despite the enormous influence he wielded during his lifetime and his close association with senior political leaders, the burial was marked by a noticeable absence of many politicians who had often interacted with him.

President William Ruto, who had maintained a close relationship with the late cleric, did not attend the burial but was represented by Bishop Rose Kiserem from the Office of the President.

Bishop Kiserem announced that President Ruto had met all funeral expenses for the late church leader.

"I bring condolences from President William Ruto to the family, the church leadership and all faithful of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church of Africa. The President deeply valued Father Pesa's contribution to society and has taken care the funeral expenses," she said.

For many observers, the turnout contrasted sharply with Father Pesa's stature and influence, particularly considering his frequent interactions with political leaders from across the country.

Yet those who gathered focused less on politics and more on celebrating the life of a man whose religious journey began under extraordinary circumstances and evolved into one of the most unique ministries in Kenya.

According to the eulogy read during the funeral service, Father Pesa was born on September 25, 1941, as John Juma Pesa to the late Vincent Owino Pesa and Margarita Maria Wanjiku.

His mother died immediately after giving birth to him.

Family members described his birth as unusual and miraculous. According to accounts contained in the eulogy, witnesses claimed he was born holding what appeared to be a small book in his right hand, an occurrence that amazed those present and later became part of the narrative surrounding his spiritual calling.

Raised within the Catholic faith, the young John Pesa spent part of his childhood at Kaplong Catholic Mission under the care of a mission sister before proceeding to Ing'chuni Mission and later Nyabururu Mission, where he came under the mentorship of Fr Alloys Herzog.

Following the death of his father, he continued his religious formation at Nyandago Mission, serving faithfully as an altar boy while learning Catholic doctrines.

His dedication and commitment earned him admission to Rakwaro Seminary in 1957, where he formally began training for the priesthood.

The eulogy further recounts an event that supporters believe shaped the course of his ministry.

While still a seminarian at Nyandago Mission, witnesses reportedly observed a mysterious woman dressed in shining white robes surrounded by brilliant light. According to the account, she placed a burning red spear upon the young John Pesa.

From that moment, believers say he received a special spiritual gift of healing.

The incident was reportedly accompanied by an earth tremor and a small white light seen above the mission. Several people, including mission sisters, catechists and local residents, were said to have witnessed the occurrence.

Whether viewed as a miracle or simply part of church tradition, the story became a defining part of Father Pesa's spiritual identity.

After completing his seminary education, he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest at Nyabururu and his dedication later saw him travel to Rome, where he met Pope John XXIII.

As his ministry grew, increasing numbers of people reportedly sought him out for prayer, healing and spiritual intervention. According to the church, reports of healing became widespread, attracting large crowds and a growing following.

However, these developments also created tensions within the Catholic Church.The eulogy states that church authorities became concerned about his activities and that he was cautioned by Bishop Maurice Michael Otunga.

Despite the warnings, Father Pesa continued ministering to those who sought his help. Eventually, he was relieved of his priestly duties and later expelled from the Roman Catholic Church.

What appeared to be the end of one chapter would become the beginning of another.

After leaving the Catholic Church, Father Pesa crossed Lake Victoria to Asembo, where he spent time among members of the Nomiya Church.

Supporters including Susana Nyongaro and Kandiege Wuon Were welcomed him and provided accommodation.

He later relocated to Kisumu and settled in Mosque Estate, where he received assistance from the late Rebecca Auma, a porridge vendor who offered him free accommodation and a place of worship.

From these humble beginnings emerged what would become one of the most recognizable independent churches in western Kenya.

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