Family reveals last words of Archbishop Johanna Willy before his untimely demise

An emotional moment unfolded during the burial of Johanna Willy Kibe as his daughter, Sarah Wambui Kimunyi, recounted his final moments, revealing the words he spoke while on his hospital bed.

Speaking during the burial ceremony held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Kimunyi narrated how the late archbishop, who had been battling illness in his final days, expressed a desire to rest and be freed from the pain he was enduring.

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“And on Sunday, our father cried a lot,” Sarah said amid tears.

She revealed that on his last Sunday, the clergyman became deeply emotional and cried as family members gathered around him, including a visit from their mother from another household.

It was during this time that he made a heartfelt plea, asking them to allow him to go in peace rather than continue suffering.

“During that time, he had been visited by our mum from the other family, Mrs Ndenenge. Our father, Johanna, asked them to allow him to die in peace and not to let him continue suffering,” she added.

According to Kimunyi, his words left the entire family in tears at his bedside, as he repeatedly questioned why they were holding on to him despite his pain and urged them to let him rest with his maker.

She explained that sharing those final moments was important to the family, as it helped affirm that his passing was peaceful despite the emotional weight it carried.

“When we heard those last words, we all cried there at his hospital bed, and he kept asking us why we were making him suffer when we should allow him to go and rest with his maker. I am saying this so it can be clear that his death was a peaceful one,” Sarah added.

The burial drew a host of mourners, including religious leaders and gospel artistes, who gathered to honour the life of the late archbishop, remembered as a devoted servant of God and a father figure to many.

The deceased, who was also the father of Kikuyu gospel singer Chege wa Willy, passed away on February 17, 2026, after a short period of illness.

Family members noted that although he had no long-term medical condition, he had experienced intense suffering in the weeks leading up to his death.

Tributes poured in during the ceremony, with speakers describing him as a pillar of faith who shaped generations through his ministry and unwavering commitment to spiritual guidance.