Bungoma man claims he died, met Jesus, came back with powers

A 60-year-old man from Ndivisi village in Bungoma County is drawing attention for extraordinary claims about his spiritual experiences and divine encounters.

Zinaba Titus Zakayo Ingana, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader and founder of Firmword Ministries Worldwide, says he has encountered Jesus Christ multiple times over the past three decades—claims that have sparked curiosity, scepticism and debate in equal measure.

According to Ingana, his spiritual journey began in the late 1990s following a prolonged illness.

"In 1996-1998, I fell ill for three years, died by late December 1998 and met Jesus Christ, who healed and delivered me, and sent me back to the earth to preach the good news, promising that no dreaded sickness and disease would befall me until the end.”

He further claims that the experience marked the beginning of a series of visions, spiritual battles and revelations that would shape his life’s mission.

Ingana describes himself as a prophet and spiritual authority, at one point claiming to be among the closest living humans to God. He says he has received messages about end-time events, future prophets and what he terms “spiritual levels beyond human comprehension.”

"In a vision, God revealed to me the secret of the church in terms of how he measures praise and worship, Individual salvation and the message preached to congregations. God also revealed three of the seven levels of coded prayer," he told The Standard.

His followers view him as a man of divine calling.

Born in 1966 into a family of nine, Ingana says his rise mirrors biblical narratives of unlikely figures chosen for higher purpose. Over the years, he has built a religious movement that he claims has spread beyond Kenya into several African countries and parts of Europe and Asia.

Among his more unusual claims is that he can communicate in multiple languages beyond his formal training.

“I speak and have ability for many languages, English, Kiswahili, Tetun of Timor leste, Bahasa of Indonesia, Portuguese, Kirwanda, Lingala,” he noted.

Ingana also recounts a dramatic experience in 2004 while working abroad, when he says an angel appeared to him with a warning.

“That night, I was taken to heaven and marveled at its greatness. I had to resign and return to Kenya and started preparing for the Great Commission.”

Since then, he says he has received numerous visions—including instructions to build a massive church and revelations about spiritual warfare, healing and global events.

“In 2014, Jesus Christ showed me how an upside-down Nairobi city and Kenyan countryside were defiled with flowing water… Jesus Christ asked me to get ready to supervise the removal of sewage when the time is ripe.” Said Ingana, adding that “God allowed me to understand the kingdom of darkness and the hierarchy therein. God gave me higher understanding and revelation on the suffering of mankind and the way to deliverance and healing.” 

He also claims to have been assigned supernatural protection.

“I was ordained as Vainadu on 28/12/2020, the four living Creatures commenced their assignment, albeit partially.”

Over the years, Ingana says he has risen through various spiritual ranks, culminating in his latest title, Zinaba, which he describes as the highest level within his ministry.

His organisation, Firmword Ministries Worldwide, is reportedly expanding across several countries, with plans underway to construct a large worship centre near Ngong.

“We have bought 50 acres of land near Ngong town, Kajiado county. Our church of 510m long and 150m wide shall seat more than 500,000 worshippers and occupy 19.126 acres of land,’ he notes.

Ingana also attributes healing powers and deliverance abilities to his ministry, claiming to have helped followers overcome illness, spiritual afflictions and personal struggles.

He says that his ordination as Bishop involved divine confirmation, overcoming opposition, and spiritual warfare.

“Many church leaders refused to ordain me due to lack of formal qualifications, but divine guidance prevailed. Effective spiritual attack involves using the word of God, blood of Jesus, fire of the Holy Spirit, and fasting,” he notes.

Despite criticism and scepticism, Ingana insists he remains committed to what he describes as a divine mission.

The self-proclaimed prophet is not the first man from western Kenya to claim supernatural encounters. In 2023, Eliud Wekesa alias Yesu wa Tongaren, made headlines after claiming he was the Biblical messiah, Jesus Christ of Nazareth.

Across the region, a growing number of individuals have declared themselves divine. These

Each claims to be the true God or the authentic Jesus, sent to save the world. Their assertions come wrapped in promises of miracles, prophecy, healing, and even divine retribution for sinners.