Jubilee Christian Church pastor Allan Kiuna dies aged 57 after battle with cancer

Allan Kiuna, founder and head preacher of the Jubilee Christian Church (JCC), died on Tuesday aged 57.

JCC confirmed this in a statement shared on the X pages of its branches, eulogising him as an "extraordinary man who touched the lives of many and had a great passion for ministering, not just locally but also globally."

The statement shared on X added, "His unwavering faith, compassion, and dedication to the church and community have left an indelible mark on all who knew him."

JCC did not specify the cause of death and other information but reports by various parties including religious leaders indicated that Kiuna died at the Nairobi Hospital where he was rushed after his health deteriorated.

The bishop had been battling multiple myeloma, a blood cancer that causes the growth of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow, following a diagnosis in 2018.

This cancer causes cells to accumulate in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells. Rather than produce helpful antibodies, the cancer cells produce abnormal proteins that can cause complications.

Condolence messages

Many Kenyans consoled the Kiuna family, among them President William Ruto, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa and Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ezekiel Mutua.

In a statement shared on his X page, the president described Kiuna as a "dedicated Christian leader" who inspired many.

"To his wife, Rev. Kathy Kiuna, and family we stand with you in this time of grief and mourning, and pray that you find the courage to persevere through this trying period. May he rest in peace," he said.

It is with profound sorrow that I learned of the passing of Bishop Allan Kiuna.

I join the Christian community in mourning his death. Bishop Kiuna was a dedicated Christian leader who founded the Jubilee Christian Church (JCC) and inspired many to follow the teachings of the… pic.twitter.com/55OVGa3pJb

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 10, 2024

Barasa wrote on X, "Bishop Allan Kiuna made a significant impact through his ministry. His dedication & powerful sermons resonated well with many. His passing is undoubtedly a great loss to his family, friends, the JCC fraternity and church community."

Mutua's message was as follows:

Bishop Allan Kiuna preached with zeal, power and conviction and did not hold back even in the face of criticism. His powerful sermons and transformative leadership made JCC a global brand. He has touched so many people with the power of his faith. He served his purpose in his… pic.twitter.com/e8z7ULvE3c

— Dr. Ezekiel Mutua, MBS (@EzekielMutua) July 9, 2024

Jubilee Party Secretary General Kanini Kega said:

A very sad day indeed. Fare Thee Well, my friend Bishop Allan Kiuna of JCC church. May you shine on your way. Sad! pic.twitter.com/zDJkYrunJr

— Kanini Kega, CBS (@kaninikega1) July 9, 2024

Kiuna had been open about his battle with cancer since 2019 and in November that year, Kathy spoke about his struggle with the disease via social media.

She said on Instagram that chemotherapy had significantly weakened Kiuna and caused his hair loss and that he could not stand for long as he was experiencing severe leg pain.

“Chemotherapy had him losing hair, gaining weight and unable to do much physically; he was unable to stand or walk for long and had to tiptoe around from the immense pain in his legs. Chemotherapy had him at his lowest," she wrote.

"What was most difficult for me was having to be home preaching most of the time and not by his side physically and, honestly speaking, it took all of me to even stand and preach."

Our heartfelt condolences to the family of Bishop Allan Kiuna. To the entire JCC fraternity, our deepest sympathies for the loss of a beloved spiritual father. Bishop Allan Kiuna, you lived a life full of purpose and dedication.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the… pic.twitter.com/jJIhQ2bdbk

— CTA - Cleaning The Airwaves (@CTA101) July 9, 2024

Kathy stated that she had to remain strong for her husband and encouraged him.

“Regardless of how I felt, I had to show my husband that we would get through this and show strength even when it was hard, and would later go on my knees and remind God of His promises, most times with tears rolling down my face," she said.

“In that season, I learnt to put the weight of my faith in God. It is easy to say 'My faith is in God' yet still want to do things on your own and find other ways especially when you feel like God is "taking time."

Kiuna went to the US to seek treatment in Dember 2022 and returned on December 7, 2023. He was received by many people including his wife, who sang and danced in celebration.

During a thanksgiving ceremony at his Nairobi church on December 10, he announced that he was cancer-free and said the treatment cost exceeded Sh459. 9 million (at that time's exchange rate).

“For the one year that I was in the US, my treatment cost $3 million, and I didn’t remove one coin from my pocket because the God of heaven provided. I did not call anyone,” he said.

The celebration bore a dual significance as the couple also celebrated 29 years of marriage and Kiuna's 57th birthday.