Renowned televangelist Bishop Gilbert Deya, a man once at the centre of Kenya’s most infamous miracle babies scandal, has died. Deya perished in a grisly road accident along the Kisumu–Bondo highway that left over 30 others injured, including students from Moi University.
The Tuesday evening crash involved three vehicles—Deya’s Toyota Noah, a Siaya County Government SUV, and a Moi University school bus. According to police reports, Deya lost control and crashed into the bus.
Authorities are now investigating the accident that has shocked the country and reopened discussions about Deya’s complicated legacy.
Gilbert Deya Dead in Tragic Multi-Car Crash Along Kisumu- Bondo Road
Gilbert Deya was driving along the Kisumu-Bondo highway when tragedy struck. According to Nyanza Region Traffic Commander Peter Maina, the preacher was travelling from Kisian, Kisumu County, towards Bondo when he lost control of his vehicle.
Deya’s Toyota Noah veered off its lane and slammed into an oncoming Moi University school bus. The bus driver, attempting to avoid a full-frontal collision, swerved—but the vehicle was then hit from behind by a Siaya County Government Toyota Fortuner.
The impact was devastating. Deya died on the spot. His body was taken to the Kombewa Sub-County Hospital Mortuary.
In Deya’s car were two other passengers, one believed to be his wife. Their current condition remains unclear.
The school bus was carrying Moi University students who were travelling to an academic event in Siaya County. A total of 30 students sustained injuries. Nyanza police confirmed that 15 of the students had serious injuries, while the others were treated for minor wounds.
Emergency teams rushed the victims to various hospitals across Siaya and Kisumu counties. Meanwhile, all vehicles involved were towed to the local police station as investigations began.
Traffic officers are now examining the wreckage and road conditions to determine what exactly caused the crash. For now, the country is left mourning the loss of a man who lived a controversial and complicated life.
Deya’s Final Years Were Marked by Legal Battles and Scandal
Bishop Deya’s death comes just a year after he was acquitted in one of Kenya’s longest-running legal sagas.
Deya rose to fame in the 1990s after moving to the United Kingdom. There, he founded evangelical ministries in London and Liverpool, drawing huge followings with his dramatic style of preaching and bold claims.
But it was his so-called miracle babies that catapulted him into international headlines—and eventually into legal trouble.
Deya claimed that infertile and menopausal women could give birth through prayer and divine intervention. His followers believed him. But in time, serious questions were raised when multiple babies allegedly born through prayer turned out to be stolen children.
British and Kenyan investigators linked Deya and his ministry to a child trafficking ring. After a long legal process in the UK, Deya was extradited to Kenya in 2017 to face charges.
The case dragged on for years, capturing public attention with every court appearance. In 2023, the court acquitted him due to lack of evidence strong enough to convict him beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite his legal troubles, Deya continued preaching to small gatherings and occasionally appeared in media interviews defending his ministry.
Country Reacts to Sudden News of Gilbert Deya Dead
News of Gilbert Deya’s death spread quickly on Tuesday evening, triggering mixed reactions from Kenyans on social media.
To some, he remained a symbol of hope, especially among followers who still believed in his teachings and miracles. But to many others, he was a disgraced preacher who used religion to exploit vulnerable women.
“I’m shocked that he died in such a horrific way,” said a Kisumu resident interviewed near the crash site. “But he was never fully held accountable for what he did. Maybe the law failed us.”
Others expressed sorrow for the students involved in the accident.
“It’s tragic that these young students had to go through such trauma,” said a parent of a Moi University student. “We pray for their quick recovery.”
Meanwhile, traffic authorities have urged motorists to be cautious along the Kisumu-Bondo highway, which has become known for frequent accidents due to speeding, narrow lanes, and poor visibility at night.
The Ministry of Transport is expected to release a full report on the crash after ongoing investigations conclude.
