Draft:Joe Kayo

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{{Infobox person

| name = Joe Kayo

| birth_name = Joseph Kayo Nyakango

| birth_date = {{birth date|1937|5|5}}

| birth_place = Nyamira County, Kenya

| death_date = {{death date and age|2023|11|2|1937|5|5}}

| occupation = Pentecostal pastor, author

| known_for = Founder of Deliverance Church in East Africa

| spouse = Rose Kayo

| children = 3

}}

Joe Kayo (May 5, 1937 – November 2, 2023) was a Kenyan Pentecostal preacher, author, and founder of the Deliverance Church movement in East and Central Africa. He was a pioneering figure in the rise of indigenous African-led Pentecostal churches.

Early Life and Conversion

Joe Kayo was born as Joseph Kayo Nyakango in Nyamira County, western Kenya. Orphaned at age 12, he struggled with poverty and substance abuse in his youth. In 1957, while hospitalized in Mombasa, he attended a crusade by American evangelist T.L. Osborn, where he reportedly experienced healing and converted to Christianity.{{cite web|title=Apostle Joe Kayo, Deliverance Churches Founder, Dies at 86|date=5 April 2024 |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/04/joe-kayo-deliverance-church-kenya-uganda-pentecostal/|publisher=Christianity Today|access-date=2025-05-05}}

Ministry

Kayo began his ministry in Mombasa and Kilifi in the early 1960s. He later moved to Kisumu and Kampala, Uganda, where he was instrumental in establishing several Pentecostal congregations. In 1970, he co-founded Deliverance Church in Nairobi, which would become one of the most influential Pentecostal movements in the region.{{cite web|title=What You Didn't Know About Apostle Joe Kayo|url=https://vipasho.co.ke/what-you-didnt-know-about-apostle-joe-kayo/|access-date=2025-05-05}}

Beyond Kenya, he helped establish Deliverance Church Uganda, Juba Pentecostal Church in South Sudan, and Family of God Churches in Zimbabwe. His ministry extended to countries including Canada, South Africa, England, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Teachings and Influence

Kayo emphasized the work of the Holy Spirit, deliverance, and practical Christian living. He introduced the use of guitars and other modern instruments into worship, helping popularize contemporary praise and worship music in East African churches.

Education

Though largely self-taught, Kayo pursued theological studies through the University of Biblical Studies in Oklahoma. He earned a TH.D and Ph.D. from Faith Bible College in Lagos and was awarded a D.Litt from the European Bible Seminary in Ireland. He also received an honorary D.D. from Esther Mallet International Christian University of California.{{cite web|title=Obituary: Deliverance Churches Founder Apostle Joe Kayo|date=3 November 2023 |url=https://www.current-affairs.org/obituary-deliverance-churches-founder-apostle-joe-kayo-death-in-hospital/|access-date=2025-05-05}}

Writings

Kayo authored numerous books and tracts, including:

The Marvel of God’s Grace
The Power of the Blood of Christ
The Lion Has Prevailed
Knowing the Name of the Lord
God’s Pattern for Daily Living
The Eagle Saint

He also published a periodical titled Revival Digest.

Later Years and Legacy

Kayo stepped down from leadership of Deliverance Church in 1977 but later reconciled with its leadership in 2004. He continued to lead Christian Family Church in Nairobi until his death on November 2, 2023, at the age of 86.

Kayo is remembered as a trailblazer of Pentecostalism in Africa, having mentored many leaders and founded numerous churches across the continent.

Personal Life

Joe Kayo was married to Rose Kayo, and together they had three sons. His family continues to be involved in ministry.

External Links

[https://joekayoministries.com/ Joe Kayo Ministries – Official Website]

References

{{cite web |last=Muthoni |first=Agnes |title=Died: Joseph Kayo, the Kenyan Leader Who Revolutionized Worship in East Africa |url=https://www.christianitytoday.com/2024/04/joe-kayo-deliverance-church-kenya-uganda-pentecostal/ |website=Christianity Today |date=April 5, 2024 |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=From Crime to the Pulpit, Joe Kayo's Inspiring Life |url=https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-11-23-from-crime-to-the-pulpit-joe-kayos-inspiring-life/ |website=The Star (Kenya) |date=November 23, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=Pastor Dorcas Among Thousands Mourning Apostle Joe Kayo |url=https://mountkenyatimes.co.ke/pastor-dorcas-among-thousands-mourning-apostle-joe-kayo/ |website=The Mount Kenya Times |date=November 3, 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=What You Didn't Know About Apostle Joe Kayo |url=https://vipasho.co.ke/what-you-didnt-know-about-apostle-joe-kayo/ |website=Vipasho News |date=November 2023 |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=About the Apostle |url=https://joekayoministries.com/about-the-apostle/ |website=Joe Kayo Ministries |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=Kayo, Joseph |url=https://dacb.org/stories/kenya/kayo-joseph/ |website=Dictionary of African Christian Biography |access-date=May 5, 2025}}

{{cite web |title=Historical Overview of Pentecostalism in Kenya |url=https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2010/08/05/historical-overview-of-pentecostalism-in-kenya/ |website=Pew Research Center |date=August 5, 2010 |access-date=May 5, 2025}}