DNK International By Our Reporter,Nairobi
Bishop Dr. Arthur Kitonga stands among Kenya’s most respected church leaders, widely recognized as the founder of the Redeemed Gospel Church.
RGC is one of Africa’s most influential Pentecostal movements with an ever growing global footprint.
He was born in May 1945 in Kasikeu, near Sultan Hamud in Makueni County
Bishop Kitonga was raised in a modest rural household.
His early life was marked by limited opportunities, and his formal education ended at Class Eight (8).
Yet, what he lacked in academic advancement, he compensated for with a deep sense of purpose and spiritual conviction that would later define his life’s work.
His turning point came in 1962 when, as a young man, he gave his life to Christ.
The experience profoundly transformed him and set him on a path toward ministry.
Shortly after his conversion, he felt a strong calling to preach, a decision that was met with resistance at home.
His father, who struggled with alcoholism, opposed the move, insisting that he was too young and unprepared for such a responsibility.
Undeterred, the young Kitonga chose faith over fear.
He traveled to Uganda, where he began his ministry in the humblest of settings,preaching under a tree in Kamwenge, in the Toro District, to a small gathering of just four people.
It was a modest start that would later blossom into a far reaching ministry.
Recognizing his potential and calling, Elim missionaries supported his theological development.
In 1965, he enrolled at Kaimosi Bible College, where he earned a Certificate in Theology.
He later joined Nairobi Bible College, completing a Diploma in Theology between 1966 and 1969.
These formative years helped shape his doctrinal foundation and leadership skills.
Upon completing his studies, Bishop Kitonga returned to Uganda, where he took on significant roles within the church.
He served as a lecturer and later as Dean at Kampala Bible College.
In addition, he was appointed General Secretary of the Elim Missionary Assemblies, reflecting the growing trust in his leadership and vision.
However, his ministry in Uganda was abruptly disrupted in 1973 during the turbulent regime of Idi Amin.
As political instability intensified and threats against religious leaders grew, Bishop Kitonga was forced to flee for his life.
He returned to Kenya, initially staying with his brother in Buruburu, Nairobi, before eventually settling in the Mathare slums.
It was in Mathare, in 1974, that he founded the Redeemed Gospel Church.
What began as a small, grassroots ministry in one of Nairobi’s most poorest communities steadily grew into a powerful spiritual movement.
Today, the Redeemed Gospel Church has expanded far beyond its humble origins.
It now boasts more than 2,500 churches worldwide, with a presence in countries including Kenya, the USA, Tanzania, Rwanda, South Africa, UK, Zambia and DRC.
The church is known not only for its evangelical mission but also for its community outreach, leadership development, and social impact initiatives.
Kitonga has severally attributed his growth in ministry to his uncle, Bishop Dr Charles Muyu of Gospel Tabernacle churches who passed away in 2020. I
t is bishop Muyu that mentored Kitonga on how to manage growth as Redeemed gospel Church began to explode in numbers and branches.
As of 2026, Bishop Kitonga, 81, remains active in ministry.
His enduring influence is a testament to decades of resilience, faith, and unwavering commitment to his calling.
Bishop Kitonga’s life story underscores a powerful message: greatness is not determined by one’s background, level of education, or societal approval, but by obedience to purpose and faith in God.
The veteran clergy is married to Josephine and they are blessed with four children namely, Vicky Kitonga (a banker working with CBK and also a renowned gospel music minister), John Bankoksy Kitonga, a bishop within the Redeemed Gospel Church, Pastor Sammy Kitonga and Moses Kitonga.
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🗓️ [DNK-International@March 22,2026]
