DNK International By Our Correspondent,Hamisi
Archbishop John Lilege Saiya Chabuga is one of Kenya’s prominent indigenous church leaders.
He has carried forward a powerful spiritual legacy that began more than seven decades ago.
The ArchBishop was born in 1968 in Boyani village in Gamalenga, Hamisi Constituency, Vihiga County.
Chabuga grew up in a family deeply rooted in faith and church leadership.
He is the son of the late Archbishop James Lilege Chabuga and Jelida Kanaiza, and the grandson of Saul Chabuga Chamwama, the founder of the African Divine Church (ADC), making him the third generation leader of the church that has grown into a major spiritual movement in Western Kenya and beyond.
Raised within the church environment,Chabuga’s early life revolved around religious teachings, community service and the administrative activities of the church.
His grandfather founded the African Divine Church in 1949 with the vision of creating an African led Christian institution that blended biblical teachings with African cultural identity.
When the founder passed on, leadership of the church went to Chabuga’s father, Archbishop James Chabuga, who led the church from 1970 until his death in 2005.
The young Chabuga therefore spent much of his childhood observing church leadership firsthand, learning the values and traditions that shaped the institution.
His formal education began at Gamalenga Primary School where he completed his primary education before joining Kaimosi Boys High School.
He later continued with further studies at Senende High School before enrolling at the Kenya School of Professional Studies where he pursued computer studies.
He later advanced his education at the University of Nairobi where he obtained a diploma in Business Administration.
Alongside his academic training, Chabuga also underwent theological training, preparing him both professionally and spiritually for the responsibilities that awaited him in church leadership.
Before becoming the head of the African Divine Church, he gained administrative and ministerial experience working closely with his father in church activities.
This period allowed him to understand the operations of a growing religious organization that was expanding its influence in Western Kenya and parts of East Africa.
His background in business administration also helped him contribute to organizational management and development within the church.
In 2005, following the death of his father, John Chabuga was installed as the leader of the African Divine Church, becoming the third spiritual head of the institution and later assuming the title of Archbishop.
His elevation continued the family leadership tradition that has existed since the church was founded.
Under his leadership, the church has focused on modernization, structured administration and expansion of social programs aimed at improving the welfare of its members.
The headquarters of the African Divine Church remains at Boyani in Gamalenga village, Vihiga County, which serves as the spiritual center for thousands of followers who travel there for major religious celebrations and annual gatherings.
From this historic base, the church has grown steadily, establishing congregations across Western Kenya and extending its presence to parts of Uganda and Tanzania.
Today the church commands thousands of followers supported by a wide network of pastors, evangelists and church administrators.
The African Divine Church is known for blending Christian teachings with African cultural expressions, including vibrant singing, drumming and communal prayer, which form an important part of its worship style.
Over the years the church has also invested in community development through the establishment of schools, health facilities and social programs that support members and surrounding communities.
Archbishop Chabuga is married and a family man.
Within the church, he is known for a leadership style that combines spiritual guidance with organizational discipline, emphasizing unity, faith and service to humanity.
In national matters, the African Divine Church has often taken a moderate position on politics, encouraging peace, national cohesion and responsible leadership rather than direct political participation.
Archbishop Chabuga has repeatedly called on leaders and citizens to prioritize unity and development while avoiding divisive politics.
His church frequently hosts national leaders during major events, reflecting its respected position in the region.
Among those who have interacted with the church is President William Ruto, who has attended church celebrations and acknowledged the role of faith institutions in promoting peace and development in the country.
The relationship between the church leadership and national leaders has largely been cordial, with the church positioning itself as a moral voice rather than a political actor.
Archbishop Chabuga’s teachings often emphasize humility, honesty, unity and service to God.
He frequently reminds followers that faith must be demonstrated through actions that uplift society and promote harmony.
One of the biblical messages often associated with the church’s spiritual identity is drawn from the teachings of Jesus about the “true vine,” symbolizing believers remaining faithful and connected to God.
Some of his memorable messages to congregants emphasize that “faith without discipline cannot transform a society,” and that believers must remain committed to both spiritual growth and service to their communities.
Through these teachings, he has encouraged members to uphold strong moral values while supporting community development initiatives.
Today, Archbishop Chabuga continues to lead the African Divine Church from its historic headquarters in Vihiga County, guiding a growing congregation while preserving a unique spiritual heritage founded by his grandfather in 1949.
As one of the key figures in Kenya’s indigenous Christian movements, he remains a symbol of continuity, faith and leadership within a church that blends African tradition with Christian devotion.
Want to be featured? or have a personality want to know about him or her:
📞WhatsApp: ±2540703633820,±254754168624
✉️ Email: dailynewskenya0@gmail.com
🗓️ [DNK-International@March 15,2026]
