NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — A well-known televangelist, Gilbert Deya, died in a tragic car accident in Kenya on Tuesday, according to local authorities. The crash was described as “horrific,” involving multiple vehicles, as reported by James Orengo, the governor of Siaya County, via the social media platform X. Images shared on social media depicted badly damaged vehicles strewn across a highway in western Kenya, indicating that there were multiple casualties from the accident.
Deya, who originally worked as a stonemason, later became a self-proclaimed bishop and rose to prominence in the 1990s. He garnered significant attention for his controversial claims of being able to pray for women struggling with infertility, suggesting that he possessed miraculous abilities to help them conceive. His ministry, Gilbert Deya Ministries, flourished in the United Kingdom, particularly in cities like London and Manchester, after he relocated there in the 1990s.
Following his successes, Deya and his wife made bold assertions that they could help infertile or menopausal women become pregnant within four months solely through prayer, without the need for sexual relations. This sensational claim of producing “miracle babies” caught the eye of authorities, leading to serious allegations against him. Between 1999 and 2004, Deya faced accusations in Kenya of abducting five children, purportedly taking them from impoverished families and facilitating their adoption to others, thus raising legal and ethical concerns about his actions.
In 2017, Deya was extradited back to Kenya to face these criminal charges, which he consistently denied. Prosecutors sought to establish that he exploited vulnerable individuals by unlawfully taking their children under the guise of performing miracles. After several years of legal proceedings, Deya was ultimately acquitted of all charges in 2023, marking a significant turn in his long-standing legal troubles.
The story of Gilbert Deya is underscored by the intersection of faith, controversy, and legal challenges within the context of his ministry. His sudden death in the car accident not only marks the end of a tumultuous life characterized by claims of divine intervention but also leaves a complex legacy regarding the impact of televangelism in both Kenya and abroad. The nature of his ministry and the ethical dilemmas it raised continue to spark discussions about religious authority and accountability in society.
The tragic events surrounding his death have generated renewed media attention, reflecting on a life spent in the public eye—a life filled with fervent claims and serious allegations. Deya's story serves as a reminder of the powerful and often precarious nature of faith-based leadership.
