Lightning Tragedy in Vihiga: Pastor and Assistant Killed During Exorcism Prayer
VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA — A tragic and bizarre incident unfolded in Vihiga County on Sunday afternoon when a pastor and his assistant were fatally struck by lightning during a deliverance prayer session. The two were praying for a woman said to be possessed by demons when the storm struck, shocking local residents and church members.
Witnesses say the prayer service, which drew a group of worshippers, was being held in an open field. As the spiritual intensity of the session grew, so did the weather’s volatility — dark clouds gathered rapidly, winds howled, and then, without warning, a deafening thunderbolt struck both clergymen.
“It happened so fast. One moment they were deep in prayer, the next — there was a loud bang, and they were on the ground,” said one church member, visibly shaken.
Panic ensued as churchgoers scattered for safety. Once the storm subsided, the two pastors were found lying motionless. Attempts to rush them to hospital were in vain — both were pronounced dead at the scene. Remarkably, the woman they were praying for survived the incident unharmed, though she was left in deep shock.
Community in Mourning
The tragedy has plunged the local community into grief. The two pastors, whose names have not yet been released pending family notification, were described as dedicated men of faith, widely respected for their commitment to prayer and helping the troubled.
By Sunday evening, a somber crowd gathered at the church compound to pray for the victims’ families and to seek comfort in the wake of the shocking event. Many described the loss as not only personal but spiritual, saying the men died “doing what they loved — serving God.”
Authorities Confirm Incident, Warn Against Outdoor Gatherings in Storms
Local authorities and police officers confirmed the deaths and said the bodies were transferred to the Vihiga County Referral Hospital mortuary. Investigations are ongoing, but officials suspect the lightning strike was a result of the region’s ongoing heavy rains and increasingly volatile weather.
“We urge members of the public to avoid holding gatherings — especially in open fields — during thunderstorms,” said one local administrator. “Lightning strikes have increased in recent weeks due to changing weather patterns.”
A Cautionary Tale Amid Faith and Tragedy
While the community mourns, the incident has reignited conversations about safety during religious gatherings in rural areas, particularly those held outdoors. For many, the tragedy is a reminder of the unpredictable force of nature — and the delicate balance between faith and caution.
Preparations for the pastors’ burial are currently underway as the faithful continue to grapple with a loss that many describe as both painful and deeply symbolic.
“They died in prayer,” said one elder. “They died while helping someone in need. That’s the kind of people they were.”
