Source: UGC
On July 17, 2024, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife, Dorcas, attended the funeral of the late Bishop Allan Kiuna, held at Jubilee Christian Church (JCC) Paradise in Thindigua, Kiambu County.
The event was a deeply emotional and solemn occasion, attended by family, friends, and members of the church who gathered to pay their last respects to the esteemed preacher.
Bishop Allan Kiuna was a prominent figure in Kenya's religious community, widely known for his influential sermons and leadership within the JCC.
His sudden passing left many in mourning, as he had touched countless lives with his teachings and spiritual guidance. The atmosphere at the funeral was filled with grief.
The funeral proceedings began with the family of the late bishop picking up his body from Lee Funeral Home. Kathy Kiuna, Bishop Kiuna’s widow, along with their children, was present for this poignant moment.
Kathy, dressed in an elegant all-black ensemble complete with a hat, stood with grace and strength beside her son Jeremy as they prepared to take their beloved husband and father to his final resting place.
The sight of the family in mourning was a powerful reminder of the personal and communal loss experienced by those who knew and loved Bishop Kiuna.
As the body was brought to JCC Paradise, the church where Bishop Kiuna had preached and inspired many, the congregation gathered for a mass.
The service was a mixture of solemnity and celebration, reflecting on the bishop’s life while also acknowledging the sorrow of his passing.
The church was filled with hymns, prayers, and eulogies, each contributing to the collective remembrance of a man who had dedicated his life to his faith and his community.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas arrived at the church dressed in matching black attire, a sign of their respect for the late bishop and his grieving family.
Their presence was notable, not only because of Gachagua’s position as Deputy President but also due to the personal connection and admiration they had for Bishop Kiuna.
Upon arriving, Gachagua proceeded to embrace Kathy Kiuna in a heartfelt hug, offering his condolences and support. This gesture of empathy and compassion highlighted the deep sense of community and solidarity shared by those in attendance.
Among the many moving tributes given during the service, one of the most touching was from Maguna, Bishop Kiuna’s brother.
Maguna shared a deeply personal story about his recent return to faith, a decision he made just days before his brother’s passing.
He spoke of how Bishop Kiuna had encouraged him through heartfelt messages, urging him to remain steadfast in his newfound faith.
"I appreciate you all for coming to this occasion to celebrate a well-lived life," Maguna said. "I just want to thank him for the last days we were chatting on the phone when he heard that I had come back to Christ. He wrote me nice messages to encourage me to keep on moving. I want to stand before you and say I’m not going back. Where he is, I want to make him proud of the life I’m going to live from this day."
This tribute was a poignant reminder of Bishop Kiuna’s enduring influence and his ability to inspire faith and transformation in others, even in his final days. The emotional resonance of Maguna’s words was felt throughout the congregation, many of whom were moved to tears.
The funeral service also featured other notable figures who shared their memories and tributes to the late bishop. Former Tusker Project Fame star Steve Nyabwa delivered a stirring musical tribute, performing a Whitney Houston song that left many mourners in tears.
Nyabwa’s performance was a fitting tribute to Bishop Kiuna’s love for music and his appreciation for the arts, which had often been incorporated into his church services.
As the service drew to a close, there were more moments of reflection and sorrow as Kathy Kiuna and her children prepared to say their final goodbyes.
The act of closing Bishop Kiuna’s casket was particularly heart-wrenching, as Kathy was comforted by those around her. This moment encapsulated the profound grief felt by the family and the wider community, as they came to terms with the loss of a beloved husband, father, and spiritual leader.
The burial took place in Kiambu, where family, friends, and church members gathered once more to lay Bishop Kiuna to rest. The burial site was filled with flowers and messages of love and remembrance, each one a testament to the impact Bishop Kiuna had on those who knew him.
The final prayers and rites were conducted with a sense of solemn dignity, as attendees paid their last respects and reflected on the bishop’s legacy.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his wife Dorcas remained supportive throughout the proceedings, their presence providing comfort to the grieving family. Gachagua’s interactions with the attendees, including his heartfelt words to Kathy Kiuna, underscored the communal bond and shared sorrow that marked the day.
In the aftermath of the funeral, many reflected on Bishop Allan Kiuna’s contributions to the community.
He was remembered not only as a preacher but also as a mentor, a guide, and a friend. His teachings had inspired many to lead lives of faith and purpose, and his loss was deeply felt across the nation.
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