The Seventh Day Adventist faithful are mourning the sudden passing of a senior pastor who had just come back from mission work.
Pastor Dalmas Odero Onjiko from Ranen Conference died on Sunday night, May 10, 2021, just hours after arriving from a Week Prayer mission at Rabwao SDA Church in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County.
Rabwao Church members who hosted the pastor were left in shock after learning about his sudden death just hours after they saw him off on Sunday, May 9.
“He baptised me on Saturday. I was shocked to hear news of his passing just hours after conducting our baptism,” Moses Okuku who was among those he baptised moments before his death told Mwanahabari.co.ke.
The Week of Prayer program – ran from Saturday, May 1, to May 8 – and Pastor Onjiko had been sent to minister to the faithful and help win souls to the Lord.
His fellow pastor Caleb Akoto said that the Man of God had been away for the Week of Prayer – and only returned on Sunday, May 9.
“Pastor Onjiko was away for the week of prayer – and even baptised 52 individuals on Saturday. He came back to Sony Sugar – Awendo – at around 12pm after completing the mission.
“He kept complaining of fatigue, and at 5pm had to be rushed to the Sony Sugar hospital for treatment. The doctors said that he had high pressure – at which point he was treated before being allowed to go back home,” said the pastor.
Adding: “His condition worsened at night… and we lost him. He was a kind hearted man who rejoiced in the service of the Lord,” said Pastor Akoto.
One of the members from Rabwao SDA church told Mwanahabari.co.ke that the late Onjiko had complained of ill health while conducting the weekly prayer.
“At some point during the mission – he invited seven people to help pray for him. He kept soldiering on with the work of the Lord – through the week,” said the member.
“I actually took his phone number because I needed him to help me pray over some personal issues. I am shocked beyond words to hear that he is no more,” said the faithful who did not wish to be named.
Sources said that the pastor had for years battled High Blood Pressure – which unfortunately ended his life.
Onjiko studied at Kokuro Secondary School before joining the University of Eastern Africa, Baraton, to study for BA Christian Theology.
He has left behind a wife and two children.
So sad