Double tragedy as cleric dies of virus that killed his son
The family of Bishop Elisha Juma has been thrown into mourning after he succumbed to Covid-19. This comes barely three months after the cleric’s eldest son died of the same disease in the US.
The Kenya Assemblies of God (KAG) Tudor bishop died on June 29 at Mombasa Hospital. The family said he had been admitted to the hospital for some time over high blood pressure and diabetes.
The family was still coming to terms with the death of the bishop’s son Peter Juma, 35, who died in the United States on March 28.
He had worked as a paramedic at St Catherine of Siena Hospital and last visited Kenya over the Christmas period last year.
Close family members said the bishop had expressed hope that the remains of his son were buried at a place the family could have an opportunity to pay their final respects after the pandemic.
According to the family’s burial committee treasurer, Mr Justus Oyola, Bishop Juma is survived by his wife, Reverend Mary Juma and five children, most of whom are in the US and the UK.
“We are planning to raise funds to help pay funeral expenses and the hospital bill, a total of Sh2 million,” Mr Oyola said. The burial will take place on July 4 at his rural home in Kabondo Kodumo, Rachuonyo, Homa Bay County. A family friend, Pastor Edward Munene of the International Christian Centre (ICC), eulogised him as a steadfast man of God.
Condolence messages yesterday filled social media platforms.
“Bishop Elisha Juma of KAG Tudor died this morning. This is only three months after the death of his eldest son. This is very tough for the family. Keep them in your prayers,” Deans Travel Managing Director Patrick Kamanga posted on Facebook.
“Very shocking... May God grant peace & comfort to his family,” Mombasa Pentecostal Church Mtwapa Pastor Patrick Muchiri posted.
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