Wanyonyi, 81, ran the cult-like 'Lost Israelites' in Western Kenya, which allegedly had 200,000 followers.
He died of malaria at his home on July 18, Uasin Gishu deputy county commissioner Christopher Wanjau said.
Senior organisation member John Kitavi said Wanyonyi may have been buried at a secret location in Bungoma or in Eastern Uganda, where some of his followers are based.
“We have sent teams to search for the grave so we can confirm if he is dead or alive,” Kitavi told the Star yesterday.
Wanyonyi’s sons have kept secret the whereabouts of their father’s grave, seemingly to avoid a split in the sect.
Wanjau said the family moved Jehovah's body to Cheranganyi Nursing Home in Kitale before taking it for burial.
Officials at the hospital yesterday referred journalists back to the family.
Hundreds of followers have been camping at Jehovah's Nangili home, which they call a shrine, demanding to know his whereabouts.
Most of the followers believed he was a living god and they do not believe he is dead.
Sources in the family and followers said either one of his sons or the shrine leader Eliab Masinde may take over the group if Wanyonyi is confirmed to have been buried.
“I can assure that he is not dead. I would have known by now,” Masinde said.
Wanyonyi’s followers say he had 70 wives and 500 children.
- The Star
