Pastor Raphael Obego at a past event/ HANDOUT
President William Ruto has mourned the passing away of Homa Bay pastor Raphael Obego.
Obengo went viral for his prayer that cracked up President William Ruto and other dignitaries.
Pastor Obego caught the attention with his jargon-filled prayer during the International Investment Conference in Homa Bay in February.
In his message, Ruto described Obego 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," President Ruto said.
"Our prayers are with the Obego family and his congregation in Homa Bay County at this difficult time. Rest in peace."
Governor Gladys Wanga on Wednesday announced the death of Obego, who was the Homa Bay principal chaplain.
Wanga described pastor Obego as a man who touched the lives of many with his compassion, guidance, unwavering faith and positivity.
"His dedication to serving the county government and people of Homa Bay will forever be remembered," Wanga said.
"My most sincere condolences go out to his family, friends, staff and people of Homa Bay.
May Pastor Obengo's soul find eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire us all," she said.
Obego will be remembered for his deep faith and unforgettable sense of humor.
Pastor Obego became a household name in February during the International Investment Conference in Homa Bay.
Originally unprepared to lead the opening prayer, he stepped up when called upon, delivering a humorous yet deeply spiritual prayer peppered with complex English vocabulary.
His unexpected language choice left President Ruto, Governor Wanga, and other officials struggling to contain their laughter, making the prayer go viral on social media.
Reflecting on that moment, Obego later shared that he was glad to bring joy to the gathering.
Having been a Bible scholar since his ordination in 1988, he was proud of his unique approach to faith and his ability to make others smile.
While the cause of his death remains unknown, Pastor Obego’s influence and warmth are remembered fondly by all who knew him.
