Controversial Coptic Church Founder Is Dead
Father John Juma Pesa, the founder of Holy Ghost Coptic Church, has died, bringing the life of one of Kenya’s most contentious religious personalities to a close.
According to sources, Pesa died on Thursday, May 28, while being treated at a hospital in Kisumu County. However, the primary cause of his death has yet to be determined.
Following his death, his body was transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation while awaiting a postmortem.
Pesa rose to prominence in the 1970s, when he was supposedly expelled from the Roman Catholic Church and decided to create the Holy Ghost Coptic Church along the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway.
Mwanzilishi wa Kanisa la Holy Ghost Coptic of Kenya Padre John Juma Pesa amefariki dunia.
‘Ni mzee ambaye tulikuwa tumeheshimu.’ Wakaazi wa Kisumu wamuomboleza. #NTVAdhuhuri @ruga_eval pic.twitter.com/yqfd2NvyAk— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) May 28, 2026
He became popular following his controversial spiritual healing practices that attracted followers from different parts of the country seeking divine intervention for illnesses, mental health conditions, and personal challenges.
The preacher’s church in Kisumu frequently came under investigation by police and human rights groups over allegations of illegal confinement and mistreatment of vulnerable followers.
In 2023, police officers and officials from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) raided the church compound and rescued several people held inside locked rooms.
Some of those found at the church were believed to be mentally ill patients whose relatives had taken them to the church for spiritual healing instead of seeking medical treatment.
ALSO READ:
- NTSA Launches New Traffic Fines System for Minor Offences
- Gov’t Sued Over Proposed U.S Ebola Quarantine Facility in Kenya
- Controversial Coptic Church Founder Is Dead
- Education CS Issues Fresh Orders For Utumishi Girls Students
- UTUMUSHI GIRLS FIRE: Parents Expose School Dorm’s Feeble Structure
Despite the controversies surrounding his ministry, Pesa retained a loyal following, with supporters describing him as a misunderstood spiritual leader unfairly targeted.
In 2020, Pesa also claimed that his life was in danger after visiting then-Deputy President William Ruto, who is now the current Head of State, at his Sugoi home in Uasin Gishu County.
Addressing a press conference, the priest said he had received anonymous phone calls demanding that he surrender money they believed he had received from Ruto during the visit.
However, Pesa denied receiving any money from the former deputy president, insisting that the allegations were malicious and politically motivated.
Controversial Coptic Church Founder Is Dead
