The committee overseeing the burial arrangements of Rev. Fr. John Pesa ‘One’ of the Holy Ghost Coptic Church of Africa has officially announced June 20 as the date for his burial.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, June 4, at the Holy Ghost Coptic Church in Mamboleo, Kisumu, Episcopal Church of Africa (ECA) Archbishop Dr. Joshua Oyoo said the date was agreed upon after consultations between the burial committee and the leadership of the Coptic Church.
The burial committee is being chaired by Archbishop Dr. Patrick Ligawa of the Church of Christ in Africa.
“With the blessings of the burial committee and in consultation with the Coptic Church, we have set June 20 as the burial date of the late John Pesa. We will later announce the bishop who will preside over the burial ceremony,” said Archbishop Oyoo.
He appealed to church members, political leaders and the wider community to support the funeral preparations and help accord the late cleric a dignified send-off.
“To support the burial arrangements, well-wishers have been encouraged to contribute through Paybill Number 4564519 under the account name ‘HH’,” he said.
Church leaders from across Nyanza and Western Kenya described the late Father Pesa as a unifying religious leader whose influence extended beyond denominational affiliations.
“We are here to pray with the church of Father John Pesa, who has left us. He was not an isolated leader but a servant of God who could join Christians wherever they gathered to worship. We have come together to ensure that he receives a befitting send-off,” the clergy said.
The church leaders eulogised Father Pesa as a warm, humble, and loving servant of God who maintained close relationships with fellow clergy and congregants throughout his ministry.
Archbishop Oyoo noted that churches across Nyanza and Western Kenya had joined hands to coordinate burial arrangements and mobilise support for both the family and the church.
The meeting also appointed Archbishop Dr. Patrick Ligawa as chairman of the burial committee, with Rev. John Ober serving as his deputy.
“Today’s meeting has selected Dr. Patrick Ligawa to steer the burial preparations, assisted by Rev. John Ober. We appeal to all church members to contribute according to their ability and support this noble cause,” Oyoo said.
According to the archbishop, Father Pesa was an active participant in programmes organised by various religious bodies, including the National Council of Churches of Kenya, the Kisumu County Clergy Fellowship and associations of indigenous churches.
“He never missed NCCK functions, Kisumu County Clergy Fellowship meetings or activities organised by church organisations. He never chose one church over another. He served all faithfully,” Oyoo added.
The late Father Pesa is remembered as a bridge-builder among churches and a respected spiritual leader whose commitment to Christian unity earned him admiration across the region.
