PCEA plunged into mourning after popular reverend dies
By Steve Ireri, August 5, 2026The Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) has been thrown into mourning following the death of retired Reverend Samuel Kariuki Machugu, a respected cleric remembered by many as one of the church’s founding reverends and a key figure in shaping the spiritual lives of generations of believers.
News of his death was confirmed by KIRK TV, the church’s official communication platform, on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, which described the veteran preacher as a “gallant soldier” who faithfully served God until the end.
“A gallant soldier has rested. Rtd. Rev. Samuel Kariuki Machugu – PCEA Muguga Presbytery. Rest well, gallant soldier,” KIRK TV wrote.
Following the announcement, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media as Christians, clergy and public figures reflected on the late reverend’s impact on the church and the many lives he transformed through decades of ministry.
Among those who paid tribute was Facebook influencer Nancy Sifa, who recalled Rev. Machugu’s tenure at Muhîto PCEA Church as one of the most spiritually impactful periods in the congregation’s history.
According to Sifa, the church experienced remarkable revival under his leadership, with crusades being held one after another, drawing many people closer to Christ.
“Rev. Samuel Kariuki Machugu, you are one minister that Muhîto PCEA will never forget. It was during your time that we experienced true revival. We held crusades back to back, and those remain some of the most memorable and fulfilling moments in our church’s history,” she wrote.
She also remembered being commissioned into the Brigade during his tenure, describing the occasion as one of the most unforgettable moments of her life.
“It was also during your tenure that I was commissioned into the Brigade—a day that is still so fresh in my mind,” she added.
Beyond the pulpit, Sifa praised the late reverend for his humility and compassion, recalling how faithfully he checked on her grandparents and cared for members of the congregation.
“I will always remember how faithfully you checked on my grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Wambiri. Your kindness, humility, and shepherd’s heart touched many lives,” she said.
She concluded her tribute by praying for strength and comfort for the bereaved family.
“Rest in peace, Rev. Machugu. Your legacy lives on in the lives you impacted. To Mama Njeri and family, may God comfort you,” she added.
Pastor Mwangi Mulawii also joined in mourning the retired cleric, crediting him with inspiring his lifelong love for the Presbyterian Church.
Describing Rev. Machugu as a genuine servant of God, Mulawii said the church had lost a faithful minister whose influence would never be forgotten.
“The man who caused me to love PCEA Church has rested. Rev. Samuel Machugu Kariuki. The true man of God. May your family find comfort from God. Blessed is the man who dies in the Lord. Rest in peace, my friend,” he wrote.