President William Ruto has mourned the death of popular Pastor Raphael Obego, who cracked him up in Homa Bay in February.
Taking to his official X on Thursday, November 7, the president described the pastor as a dedicated servant of the Lord and a prayer warrior.
"He was a light-hearted faith leader whose sermons were not only provoking and evocative but also clear and authentic. Our prayers are with the Obego family and his congregation in Homa Bay County at this difficult time. Rest in Peace," the president wrote.
The news of his demise was confirmed by Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga on Wednesday night. Wanga took to her social media to break the news, remembering Pastor Obego as a compassionate leader whose guidance, unwavering faith, and positivity touched many lives. She prayed that his legacy would continue.
"We are devastated by the passing of our dear friend and County Principal Chaplain Pastor Raphael Obego. Pastor Raphael touched our lives with his compassion, guidance, unwavering faith, and positivity. His dedication to serving the county Government and people of Homa Bay will forever be remembered," Governor Wanga mourned.
The cause of the Pastor's death is yet to be determined.
Pastor Obego gained public attention in February 2024 when he left President Ruto and other officials in stitches during the International Investment Conference in Homa Bay.
The pastor caused the crowd including Ruto, to be unable to contain their laughter throughout the prayers due to his use of complex vocabulary.
Before his death, Pastor Obego had been a clergyman for at least 10 years, where he developed a passion for speaking and praying in jargon. In February, he expressed his surprise when people laughed at his choice of vocabulary, saying they were normal words used on a daily.
“I was also surprised that my prayer became the talk of the town. The words I used are common and most people can easily understand them when spoken,” the clergyman revealed during an interview with NTV on February 29.
According to the pastor, he was a theologian and Bible scholar, which helped him develop his vocabulary.
“My experience in studying the Bible has enabled me to master the words I use when I pray. I don’t read when I pray like other clerics do,” Obego revealed.
Ironically, the Pastor had revealed that he was not the one supposed to pray before the Head of State on that event, as the county chaplain it was his duty to assign clergymen to pray at county government events.
However, on that day, he was approached by one of the president’s aides, who suggested that he should pray.
His demise has also been mourned by Principal Secretary of State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo who described him as an optimistic spirit who illuminated the paths of many, offering hope and encouragement when it was needed most.
The county government of Homa Bay also mourned him.
