Bishop Johana Gacheni: Famous Akorino Cleric Dies, Karangu Muraya Mourns Him
- Karangu Muraya took to social media to announce the death of renowned Akorino Bishop Johana Gacheni, penning a heartfelt tribute to his fallen friend
- Bishop Johana was widely known for a gospel hit that struck a chord with many, earning massive viewership online
- Kenyans flooded social media with messages of comfort and sympathy, mourning the loss of the respected church leader
Popular Akorino bishop Johana Gacheni has passed away.
Source: Facebook
The heartbreaking news was shared on Wednesday, July 16, by gospel singer and philanthropist Karangu Muraya, a devoted member of the Akorino faith.
Who was Bishop Johana Gacheni?
Taking to social media, Karangu posted a photo of the late bishop in his symbolic clerical robe and signature Akorino turban.
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"Rest in peace my friend, Bishop Johana Gacheni," Karangu wrote in a brief but emotional tribute.
Bishop Gacheni was widely loved, not just for his leadership in the Akorino church, but also for his musical contributions.
He was known for his hit Kikuyu gospel song Joshua Akirugama Akihita, which boasts of thousands of views online.
News of his passing has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with Kenyans flooding comment sections with condolence messages and fond memories of the late cleric.
Details about the cause of his death or funeral arrangements were yet to be shared at the time of publishing.
See the post below:
Condolence messages from Kenyans:
Here are some messages of sympathy from Kenyans:
Emmaus Funeral Directors:
"We join you Karangu Muraya in mourning the passing of Bishop Johana Gaceni. A beloved servant of God, his legacy and the message of hope he shared through songs like "Joshua Akirugama Akihita" will live on in our hearts. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may God comfort all who are grieving during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy."
Reagan Wanjiru:
"So sad indeed, he's been my customer occasionally and I haven't seen him for a while. .weeeuh may his soul rest in eternal peace 🕊️🕊️...such a great man of God full of wisdom."
Gladys Ngugi:
"Rest in peace Baba Rebecca... Condolences to the family."
Steven Sonchase:
"RIP legend Bishop Johanna Gaceni the great. Your words of wisdom will be always in my memory. I remember the last show you told me many things, not knowing that you were saying goodbye. It is hard to believe you are no more. RIP Legend, You have fought your fight. Dance with angels in heaven.;"
Moses Njuguna:
"Rest in peace our Bishop May our God comfort the entire family."
Mrs Eveleen Mitei:
"Bishop Johana Gaceni’s legacy of spiritual guidance and deep understanding will continue to inspire many. May his family and congregation find strength and peace in these difficult times. Rest well, a true servant of faith."
Paul Mwangi:
"What is happening every day rip🙏😭😭 God forgive us please."
Milicah Nyambura:
"Rest in peace, death is cruel God forgive us please last week was rev. Joshua tena bishop Gaceni."
Gicicio Gia Thitima:
"Rest in peace...Bishop Johanna Gaceni.......only God knows."
Jane Muiru:
"RIP, Bishop Gaceni, he used to preach very early in the morning at Githurai market... you could hear him from far."
Another Akorino preacher, Bishop Johanna, passes away
Almost a year ago, renowned preacher Bishop Johanna passed away on August 8, 2024, while undergoing treatment at Nakuru Provincial General Hospital.
The father of four complained of a severe headache before being diagnosed with meningitis. His wife, Mary Wanjiku, told TUKO.co.ke that he was rushed to hospital where he died.
The Akorino faithful mourned their leader with moving tributes, and he was buried a few days later in an emotional ceremony.
Source: Getty Images
Did Pastor Gilbert Deya die?
In other news, Bishop Gilbert Deya tragically died in a road accident on June 17, 2025, along the Kisumu-Bondo Highway.
The crash left several others nursing injuries.
TUKO.co.ke also reported that his death occurred barely two months after he laid his mother to rest.
The preacher, known as much for his ministry as for the controversies surrounding him, had only recently been acquitted of a long-standing legal case.
In July 2023, he was cleared of allegations related to the alleged abduction of five babies from Mountain View, Nairobi, back in 2017.
Caren Nyota, HoD Entertainment, added: Another Akorino preacher, Bishop Johanna, passes away.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
