Preparations are in full swing at the International Vision Centre (IVC) in Eldoret as the church readies to lay its founder, Bishop Joseph K. Likavo, to rest.
The burial comes a day after a moving memorial service held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the church, where congregants gathered to honour the life and legacy of their spiritual father.
In a Facebook post on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the church described the memorial as a procession of honour, faith, and hope.
“Well done, good and faithful servant. A procession of honour, faith, and hope as we commit our father, Bishop Likavo, to the Lord. I am the resurrection and the life.” — John 11:25,” they wrote.
They also shared images and clips from the memorial, where the casket had been beautifully set up as it would appear on the burial day, with flowers carefully placed all around it.
During the memorial service, church officials and congregants recited scriptures, including John 11:25 and 2 Corinthians 5:8, highlighting the spiritual journey of Bishop Likavo and his steadfast devotion to God.
Tributes focused on his life of unity, generosity, and leadership, with many recalling his open-handed service and the countless lives he touched through his ministry.
The church also reflected on the legacy left behind, noting that through his obedience and vision, many churches were built and countless lives were raised in faith.
They described him as a shepherd whose heart was generous, whose hands were open, and whose life was poured out for others.
“A true shepherd whose heart was generous, whose hands were open, and whose life was poured out for others.” Today, with heavy yet grateful hearts, we honour and remember our beloved father, Bishop Joseph K. Likavo, a life poured out in faith, love, and service. Though he rests, his legacy lives on in us forever. Through obedience and vision, many churches were built, and many lives were raised in faith,” the church wrote on separate Facebook posts.
Body repatriation
Apostle Joseph Likavo’s body was repatriated to Kenya on Friday, January 23, 2026, weeks after his untimely death while undergoing treatment in the United States.
In an official statement shared on the International Vision Centre Facebook page on the same day, the church expressed that they were deeply honoured to receive the remains of their beloved spiritual father at Eldoret International Airport.
“Today, we are deeply honoured to receive the body of our beloved father, Bishop Joseph K. Likavo, at Eldoret International Airport,” IVC wrote on Facebook.
They conveyed profound gratitude to God for His grace and faithfulness throughout the entire journey.
The church further acknowledged the Lord’s protection, comfort, and strength that had sustained the family, the congregation, and all associated ministries during this difficult period.
“With humble hearts, we give thanks to God for His grace and faithfulness throughout the entire journey. We acknowledge the Lord’s protection, comfort, and strength that has sustained us to this moment,” they wrote.
They stated that as they welcomed him home, they did so with reverence, gratitude, and hope, trusting God for peace and consolation for the family, the church, and all whose lives he had touched.
“As we welcome him home, we do so with reverence, gratitude, and hope, trusting God for peace and consolation for the family, the church, and all whose lives he touched,” the statement added.
Untimely demise
Apostle Likavo passed away on Thursday, December 18, 2025, while undergoing treatment in the United States.
The IVC Ministry, in an official statement on Friday, December 19, 2025, described his passing as a heavy moment for his family, the church fraternity, and the wider body of Christ.
“Further to our brief communication yesterday, the family, IVC church & Ministries wishes to inform the congregation, the body of Christ and the general public that our Spiritual Father, Senior Pastor and presiding bishop, Apostle Joseph Likavo, passed on yesterday, 18/12/2025, while undergoing treatment in the USA,” the statement read in part.
They remembered the preacher as a spiritual father who faithfully served God with distinction, carrying a clear vision, an apostolic mandate, and a shepherd’s heart.
“This is a heavy moment for his family, the IVC fraternity and associated ministries, the body of Christ, and all whose lives were touched by his ministry, leadership, and fatherly grace. Apostle Joseph Likavo faithfully served God with distinction, carrying a clear vision, an apostolic mandate, and a shepherd’s heart,” the statement added.
