Controversial Coptic Church Founder Father John Pesa Dies, Leaving Behind Legacy Of Faith And Controversy

Holy Ghost Coptic Church founder Father John Juma Pesa has died, bringing to a close the life of one of Kenya’s most controversial and polarising religious leaders.

Sources confirmed that Father Pesa passed away on Thursday, May 28, while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Kisumu County. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially disclosed. His body was later transferred to the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) mortuary for preservation ahead of postmortem examination.

Father Pesa first rose to prominence in the 1970s after reportedly parting ways with the Roman Catholic Church under disputed circumstances. He went on to establish the Holy Ghost Coptic Church along the Kisumu–Kakamega Highway, which would later become widely known across the country for its unconventional practices and strong following.

Over the years, his ministry attracted thousands of believers seeking spiritual healing for a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, mental health challenges, and personal struggles. Supporters viewed him as a powerful man of God with rare healing gifts and unwavering spiritual authority.

However, his church was also frequently at the centre of controversy. Authorities and human rights organisations repeatedly raised concerns over alleged mistreatment of vulnerable individuals, including accusations of unlawful confinement within church premises.

In 2023, police officers together with officials from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) conducted a raid on the church compound, rescuing several individuals who were reportedly found locked inside rooms. Some of those rescued were believed to be persons living with mental health conditions, brought to the church by relatives seeking spiritual intervention.

Despite such allegations, Father Pesa maintained a loyal base of followers who defended him against criticism, insisting that he was a misunderstood religious figure targeted by external forces.

His name also occasionally surfaced in politically sensitive discussions. In 2020, he claimed his life was in danger following a visit to then-Deputy President William Ruto at his Sugoi residence in Uasin Gishu County. He alleged that he received threatening calls from unknown individuals demanding money they believed he had received during the visit—claims he strongly denied.

As news of his death spreads, reactions continue to pour in from followers and critics alike, reflecting the complex legacy of a man who shaped one of Kenya’s most debated religious movements.