×
The Standard e-Paper
The Standard
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
Controversial Bishop Gilbert Deya killed in road accident. [Courtesy]
Bishop Gilbert Deya, one of Kenya's most controversial clergymen and leader of Gilbert Deya International Ministries, has died in a road accident while on his way home to Bondo.
According to Nyanza region traffic enforcement officer Peter Maina, Deya died in a fatal road accident involving three vehicles at the "Namba Kapiyo" area along the busy Kisian-Bondo road.
At the time of the accident, Deya was driving his Toyota Noah with his wife and another female passenger on board.
According to Officer Maina, Deya lost control of his vehicle and collided with a Moi University bus heading towards Kisumu. The bus, in an attempt to avoid a head-on collision with Deya's car, overturned, injuring at least 28 students. A Toyota Fortuner from Siaya County, also heading towards Kisumu, was involved in the accident.
"We had a fatal accident at around 6:30 PM involving three vehicles. A Toyota Fortuner of Siaya County Government, a bus and a Toyota Noah at Namba Kapiyo area along Kisian Bondo road," Maina said.
He added, "The Noah driver lost control of his car and hit the bus. The bus driver attempted to avoid a head-on collision and in the process, it fell. In the accident, we have lost the Noah driver, he was carrying two passengers, his wife and another who has been slightly injured."
Out of the 31 victims of the Tuesday evening accident, three students sustained serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital in Kisumu, where they were transferred from Kombewa Sub-County Hospital in Seme.
The remaining victims are being treated at Kombewa Sub-County Hospital, with 15 suffering serious injuries.
Bishop Deya's body was moved to Kombewa Sub-County Hospital by the police, according to the regional traffic boss.
Deya was a controversial Kenyan televangelist who gained notoriety for decades due to his claims of being able to facilitate "miracle babies" through miraculous pregnancies in the wombs of his followers.
He had a long-standing contentious relationship with the government, facing child trafficking charges in court. He often dismissed these charges as a political witch-hunt, citing his close ties with ODM leader Raila Odinga, who was at the time a fierce critic of the government.
He was, however, acquitted of the child trafficking charges by Kenyan courts in 2023 due to a lack of evidence.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers!
join