Jehovah Wanyonyi. | image source: the-star.co.ke
Self-proclaimed living-god Jehovah Wanyonyi is dead, a local leader has confirmed as his followers' pray for his "resurrection".
Wanyonyi, 98, died on July 18 on his way to Cherangany Nursing Home in Kitale town, Kipsomba Chief Daniel Busienei said.
Busienei said the spiritual leader's children sought a burial permit on July 19, adding that the hospital required it before releasing the body.
“I told my assistant chief to issue them with a permit to allow the deceased family to lay him to rest,” he said.
Assistant chief Paul Bett confirmed that he gave the family the burial permit a day after Wanyonyi's death.
On Sunday, Wanyonyi's followers, the Lost Israelites of Kenya, prayed for his return at his home in Nangili, Kakamega county.
Some of them said they have been fasting since they learnt that he had gone missing.
“We believe in him and we want him back on the throne as soon as possible,” follower Joyce Nakhanu said.
Wanyonyi has not been seen in public for more than six weeks and his family is also anxiously waiting for him.
Family spokesman Eliab Masinde said he has been hospitalised in Nairobi, where his sons are taking care of him.
Wanyonyi, who also has a following in Uganda, had been confined to a wheelchair after he developed back problems four years ago.
According to his followers Wanyonyi had 70 wives, 500 children and more than 1,000 grandchildren.
- The STAR