A legacy of faith

Fathers of the Faith

One church, planted with courage and handed on with love. This is the story of the men who carried Deliverance Church from Nairobi to the nations, and of the sons they raised along the way.

Joe Kayo William Tuimising Mark Kariuki J.B. Masinde Celebrations

Three senior ministers standing together outdoors — Bishop Mark Kariuki, Bishop William Tuimising and Apostle Joe Kayo

Apostle Dr Joe Kayo

Founder, Deliverance Church

A preacher of deliverance whose obedience gave East Africa the Deliverance Church. He was born Joseph Kayo Nyakango, and his ministry reached Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.

1937Born in Nyamira County, the eldest of six children.
1957Healed and saved in Mombasa; he begins preaching soon after.
1970Deliverance Church is founded in Nairobi and grows into a movement across East Africa.
1977–78Steps down and hands the church to Bishop William Tuimising; later founds Christian Family Church.
2004Reconciles with the leadership of Deliverance Church.
2023Goes home to be with the Lord on 2 November, aged 86.

A minister in a pinstripe suit speaking beside a wooden cross — Apostle Dr Joe Kayo ministering at Deliverance Church International, Langata.

A minister reading at a pulpit beside a couple — Apostle Joe Kayo reading as Bishop and Rev. Rebecca Tuimising stand beside him.

Bishop Dr William Tuimising, EBS

Patron, Finishing Well Foundation

Former General Overseer of the Deliverance Church. He started Deliverance Church Eastleigh, the mother church, and led the movement for 22 years, planting hundreds of churches and raising ministers who now lead their own.

Today he is the Patron of Finishing Well Foundation, and still Bishop of the church he began in Eastleigh. Read his full story →

1946Born in Bomet County.
1964Ordained as a pastor after joining the pioneers of Deliverance Church in Nairobi.
Late 1970sReceives the leadership of Deliverance Church from Apostle Joe Kayo and starts Deliverance Church Eastleigh, the mother church.
22 yearsLeads as General Overseer: 300+ churches planted and hundreds of street children rehabilitated.
2007–08Helps broker peace in the nation’s hardest hours.
2018–2022Honoured with the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), celebrated on Mashujaa Day 2020, and his 60 years of ministry marked at KICC.

Two ministers at opposite pulpits in a church — Bishop William Tuimising and Rev. Philip Chelule, his spiritual son, ministering at Deliverance Church Eastleigh. Photo: Boni Muthoni Images

A bishop laying hands on a minister in prayer — Bishop William Tuimising praying with leaders at Deliverance Church Eastleigh. Photo: Boni Muthoni Images

Bishop William Tuimising and Bishop Peter Lwaya greet each other at God’s Light Christian Church, Umoja.

A bishop preaching at a golden pulpit — Bishop William Tuimising ministering at God’s Light Christian Church, Umoja.

Two bishops cutting a cake as guests look on — Bishop William Tuimising and Bishop Dr William Sifuna cut the anniversary cake together.

A bishop speaking at a wooden pulpit — Bishop William Tuimising ministering at Deliverance Church International, Langata.

Bishop Dr Mark Kariuki

General Overseer, Deliverance Church

Presiding Bishop and General Overseer of Deliverance Church International, who succeeded Bishop Tuimising. His ministry began at Deliverance Church Eastleigh, where he served as choir master.

Early yearsServes at Deliverance Church Eastleigh as choir master and grows in worship and leadership.
Before the oversightChairs the Deliverance Church Council.
TodayLeads the denomination as General Overseer and Presiding Bishop, succeeding Bishop Tuimising.
2023Leads the memorial service for Apostle Joe Kayo.

Four couples standing together outside a home — Bishop Mark Kariuki and Bishop J.B. Masinde, with their wives, visiting Bishop William Tuimising and Rev. Rebecca Tuimising at their home in Ngong.

Four ministers standing side by side — Fathers and friends in ministry, together at the Bishop’s home in Ngong.

Bishop Dr J.B. Masinde

Founder, Deliverance Church Umoja

Founder and Senior Pastor of Deliverance Church Umoja and General Secretary of Deliverance Church International. He was sent by Bishop Tuimising from the mother church to pioneer the church in Eastlands.

1984Ordained into ministry; Deliverance Church Umoja is founded on 20 May.
EastlandsSent out with a nucleus of families from the mother church under Bishop Tuimising.
2004Consecrated as bishop.
TodayGeneral Secretary of Deliverance Church International and member of the Apostolic Council.

Two couples sharing a pulpit on stage — Bishop J.B. Masinde and Bishop William Tuimising with their wives, sharing the platform at a Deliverance Church Umoja celebration.

Two bishops laughing as two women embrace — Joy and embrace on the platform.

A bishop in a pinstripe suit speaking to a woman at a pulpit — Fathers in the faith, honouring one another on stage.

Leaders praying together on stage — A moment of prayer at the celebration.

Celebrations & fellowship

Love, shared in public

A wedding anniversary, a visit to the Bishop’s home and moments in the churches he has blessed.

Wedding anniversary

Three ministers with raised hands at a banquet table — Bishop William Tuimising and Rev. Rebecca Tuimising with Apostle Joe Kayo, lifting their hands in worship at the anniversary celebration.

A bishop placing a ring on his wife’s finger — A moment of love and commitment at the wedding anniversary celebration.

A minister with a microphone at a pulpit — Rev. Philip Chelule speaking at the anniversary celebration.

A woman worshipping with raised hand among guests — Worship at the anniversary celebration.

Guests greeting each other warmly in a church hall — Guests greet one another at the anniversary celebration.

A visit to the Bishop’s home, Ngong

Four couples smiling together outside a home — Smiles all around: the visiting bishops and their wives with the Bishop and Rev. Rebecca Tuimising in Ngong.

Couples gathered around a table with fruit placemats — Fellowship around the table.

Four women standing together smiling — Wives and sisters in ministry, smiling together at the Bishop’s home.

Four women standing together in front of a metal gate — The wives, together in the sunshine at the Bishop’s home in Ngong.

A son in the faith

A bishop praying over a kneeling couple — Bishop William Tuimising praying with Bishop Peter Lwaya and his wife.

A couple kneeling in prayer in a church — Bishop Peter Lwaya and his wife in prayer, with Bishop William Tuimising praying over them.

Worshippers standing during a service — Worship and prayer at God’s Light Christian Church, Umoja.

Their sons and daughters in ministry

Hundreds of ministers have been ordained, consecrated and commissioned through the Bishop’s ministry. Find a minister, read their story and see their photos.

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Ordained Ministers Board of Trustees Photo Gallery