Modern Kikuyu Worship Classics Songs

Carol Wanjiru

From time to time in Kikuyu Gospel, there comes along artistes who craft Kikuyu worship songs that take us into deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ. Some of the artists may not be famous but their songs touch us. For some it might be the only song(s) they are known but others they are prolific. Nevertheless let us celebrate them. We are not suggesting these songs are the only ones, If You know others kindly leave comments below this post. Some may not even have audio or video on Youtube.

Munduiriri - This is a song by Carol Wanjiru from Uthiru. This song was composed from her personal experience on a painful broken engagement. This prayerful song is basically about praising God regardless of your current situation. It praises God as the one who fights our battles. She also has other modern worship classics like Munguuri and Turi Uhore all worth a listen.

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Muhaturi – This is new song by a new artiste Freddy K. Its prayer and deep complemented by sultry female back-up vocals. This worship song is about GOD who is our rescue in times of our troubles. Freddy praises GOD as the one who is his rescue in times of troubles. It’s worth a listen when one feels discouraged or low in life.

Muguthaithi – This is a song by Mercy Ken. It’s basically a song on worshiping God day and night. Mercy Ken also thanks God for making her a worshipper. The song has been around for a while getting airplay from all stations like Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM.

Niwikite Magegania – This song by new artiste Sammy Irungu is currently ruling the airwaves. In it Irungu praises GOD for perfoming miracles that he even can’t explain. When Irungu performs the song even people who are seated stand up and worship their arms up in the air.

Kiriga – This is a song by the prolific, worshipper from Nyeri, Charles K Kingori, it’s from the album by the same name. In the song Kingori sings about the wonders of GOD that leave him in awe and wonder. Its message is borrowed from the old and new testament in the Bible. Kingori as a relatively new artiste in Kikuyu music has cut a niche of writing songs with Biblical messages. His trademark in his songs is the constant refrains in nearly all of the compositions. His other worship songs are Mahindi momu, Ngai Kihoti, Njamba ya Ita and his latest Ndi Murathime.

Hau Noho – This is a song by Mirugi Dishon of Matiribu fame. Of the songs in the list, this is one least played anywhere among the three stations of Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM. It’s what one would call an underground hit which Mirugi sings in churches or crusades. The song’s message is about waiting on God patiently without giving up. Its melody is driven beautifully by a keyboard and drums and faded guitar melody. It borrows heavily on Bible stories of Hannah and Peninah.

Nyitagirira – This is a wonderful song by Esther Muthoni based in the US. It’s beautifully produced and speaks about God being our refuge. In the song Muthoni speaks the song from Bible verses and the chorus is about God holding us up so we don’t faint or fail.

Moko Marathime – This is a song by Njuguna Gicheha also an actor in Kameme FM’s Micii ni Ndogo as Man Nyari. The song borrows heavily from the Bible story of Adam and Eve and their being expelled from the Garden of Eden. The song is about God blessing the works of our hands and whatever we do prospering as a result. Gicheha urges people to prophesy positively about the works of their hands. It’s one of the most requested songs.

Mutharaba: This is an old song by Pastor Isaac Kahura. In the song he urges the listeners to carry the cross of Christ without compromising regardless of the situations. He narrates a story in there about a man who patiently carried the cross without cutting it and was able to cross the river with it. Yet there was another who cut his cross to be lighter and couldn’t use it as a bridge to the river.

Mawiko: This is a song by ND Githuka of Ahiurania from the Mawiko album. The song is about God’s doings, blessings and His everlasting mercies. In it Githuka also sings about GOD who blesses everyone who pleases. The album also has hits like Dekapoli and Hingurira.

Jesu niwe Hitho: This is a timeless 90s worship classic sung by Geoffrey Wachira. In the song Wachira praises Jesus as his hiding place in times of turmoil. He commits to make Jesus his refuge and strength in all the days of his life. No audio/video available on Youtube.

Nii Nindiriirie Guguturira: This is a song by Milkah Wanjiru also of Nithengiu Ngai Wakwa fame. The song is about desiring to live for God all the days of life. In the song she prays to God to give her a heart that fears the Lord. It’s a worship song easy to sing and remember. Wanjiru based in Naivasha is not much known but her songs bless us.

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Kaka Man Nduati: The singing cop shares his passion for music and law enforcement

Today, the man born in Kandara, Muranga in the 70s as, Isaac Kibugi Nduati is popularly known as Kakaman Nduati the singing cop or ‘msikari mwimbi’ in broken Swahili. With 11 albums released to date, the latest being clearing and forwarding ‘wendo wa teargas’ Kakaman Nduati is at ease juggling his twin loves of law enforcement and music.

Growing Up

Growing up as young boy, Nduati counts himself fortunate, he identified his love of creative arts as early as when in Class 3 in Mahutia Primary School. He was not just an active participant in church and school, music and drama festivals but he led most of them. So much so that his relatives told him he took after Kibugi a grandfather he was named after. In his hey days, the elder Kibugi charmed ladies when singing ‘Kibata’ a Kikuyu traditional dance.

At a young age Nduati, loved to listen to Joseph Kamaru’s music especially ‘Muhiki wa Mikosi’ and DK Kamau. By the time he was in Class 7 in 1987, his talent blossomed and at school music festivals he got to provincial level through a solo folk song he performed. His headmaster then Mr Ngomi encouraged him in his artistic pursuits. By class 8 he topped all festivals church and school he participated in some pieces he also composed. After primary school he got admitted to Kiruri High School and all fired up to perform arts in high school.

High School Artistic Exploits

In Form 1 he dived straight to arts and even began coaching Form 4’s in preparation for the festivals and leading some of the compositions. Nduati’s immediate creative influence was visible as Kiruri High for the first time got to district level. In Form 2 working in tandem with their patron they prepared 7 artistic pieces of which 5, took 1^st place the rest 2^nd place at divisional levels and they proceeded to district levels.

For all their artistic exploits, the school principal didn’t share in their celebration. Instead the group got wind on the eve of district festivals that they had been banned from performing at district level. The group led by Nduati took their grievances to an educational officer in Kangema who organized a bus from Kangema High to pick them at 5am at the parade ground on material day. They proceeded to Kigumo Bendera for the district festivals without the blessing of their principal and their patron not informed. Of the 7 pieces they performed 2 were number 1 and another number 2, and had qualified for the provincial level.

The education officer who had assisted them facilitated the group with expenses to perform at provincial levels where they got to second place. That weekend they came back to school with 2^nd place trophies and certificates from zonal level and on Monday during parade presented them to their patron. Their prinicipal was livid and before he could suspend the arts group led by Nduati a school strike happened. As a result most of the arts group led by Nduati was expelled for good by the school board as they were perceived as strike instigators.

Light Bulb Moment

Looking back, Nduati says the expulsion was a blessing in disguise and it shaped the person he is today a soldier musician. His father was bitter with him over the fees he had paid for him. However Nduati promised that he would get another school and be admitted. He got offered a place at Gaichanjiru High School but settled on Gituro High School due to its emphasis on performing arts. An arts teacher Mr Omurunga who had adjudicated Nduati in the past, pleaded with the principal to admit him on learning he was expelled at Kiruri over his love of performing arts.

Since Nduati hadn’t studied third term of Form 2 he was examined to see if fit to be in Form 3 in 1992. He did well and was admitted in Form 3. The day he officially reported the drama group patron Mr Omurunga gave him a script. He played the lead character ‘Magoto wa Gituru’ which became the talk during festivals. From zonal to provincial level Nduati won best actor but for the play Damu that didn’t proceed to nationals. However, in the second term during music festivals Nduati won best soloist for a vernacular recital (marebeta). “It wowed people,’’ he recalls.

Form 4 however served as the ultimate climax of Nduati’s artistic exploits in high school. He was made the entertainment captain and composed a ‘marebeta’ title ‘Unduire Witu’ that won up to national levels. That opened a door for Nduati to perform to Kenya’s former President Moi at State House Nairobi. The president though not understanding Kikuyu was left in stitches and the education minister then JJ Kamotho was his translator. “By God’s grace I was able to balance my studies and arts and didn’t fail the final exams,’’ Nduati told Kikuyu Musicians.

After High School

After high school, he was called back by Gituru High principal to coach the arts group. He co-wrote a play with Mr Omurunga titled ‘Nguvu za Giza.’ One of the best actors to emerge from the play was Ann Ngugi of K24. In 1996 he tried out for the police and was selected and joined Police College at Kiganjo. Afterwards he was posted in Nairobi with rank of constable and used to do patrols around Nairobi. Then his musical gift was still bugging him. When Nduati got the opportunity at events or clubs he sang songs of musicians like John Ndemethiu or Mugithi which towards late 90s was beginning to be popular. “People would appreciate,” Nduati recalls.

Musical Debut

Tired of singing other peoples songs, he financed and released his first album Cecilia in 2006 which was a hit. In it was the song ‘Ngai teithia Thigari’ (God help the cops). In 2007 he sang a political album ‘Kibaki Tena’ for Kibaki praising him for his development record. Album 3 was ‘Muhunjia Opposite’ a satirical aimed at false preachers which also had a song ‘Susanna Kurungara.’ Album 4 was ‘Kiwendo Kia Nguvu’ in 2008 with a peace song ‘tutikanacokere mbara’ after the post election violence skirmishes.

Road Accident

In 2009 Nduati was involved in an accident within Nairobi when a tuk tuk he was travelling on was hit by a matatu and fractured a left leg. While in crutches he did a gospel album ‘Massage ya Kiroho’ as a thanks to GOD for sparing his life. He admits it didn’t do well and I felt maybe I wasn’t called to be in gospel music. Album 6 was a hit propelled by title song like ‘Afande inthe Box’ based on a true story Nduati investigated as a police officer. It’s based on a man conned by a lady who was an inmate. It also had ‘Konje Gakwa’ another hilarious yet popular song and ‘Nyagu Gakwa’ a high energy drum dominated dance track.

Album 7 was 'Nimugucua' which also did well as per Nduati. Album 8 Mama Dondosa churned out perhaps Nduati most popular Kikuyu Songs like Kindiria Urimu and Ngero Ya Mbia. The two songs are hilarious and comical as Nduati sings them as imagined stories. Album 9 titled Nani Yuko Salama followed. It’s a Swahili album that touches on dangerous issues police go through in line of duty. Album 10 titled ‘Nyumba Ya Uthamaki’ was a political album released early 2013, praising Uhuru Kenyatta on his election as Kenya’s president. The album sold around 5000 copies on release in TNA strongholds of Central Kenya.

Latest Album

His latest album 11 features Clearing and Forwarding/‘Wendo wa Teargas’ song and was released July 1^st 2013 about a lady Doctor who fell in love with an police officer quelling riots during a doctors strike. The officer provided the lady with water to wipe her eyes off teargas. The album also has a song on national cohesion titled ‘Twendanira’ and another ‘Maitu wa Ruriri on Mama Ngina Kenyatta.

Compositions

Nduati admits in his compositions he incorporates various genres like Chakacha, Pop and lingala. “I sit down with my instrumentalists and instruct them how to play,” he said. Composing for him comes naturally almost like a spiritual experience that hits him even when he is working as a police officer. “It’s something abrupt,” says Nduati. ‘Mama Dondosa’ and ‘Afande in the Box’ have sold 15,000 coped and Nyumba ya Uthamaki 10,000 as per Nduati.

Music and Police Duty

As a singing police officer Nduati is appreciative of his seniors who have never hindered him from engaging his talent. Now in Matuu Nduati appreciates his boss Superintendent Joel Sang who is supportive of his musical endeavors. For him though music earns him more he is passionate and proud police officer which he will be until he retires. “That title the singing cop makes me proud,” he said especially when in events or clubs where fellow cops, warders or army attend. “They cheer knowing that is one, of their own,” said an overwhelmed Nduati.

When in police duties he admits with a laughter at times finding it hard to arrest people. “Its my job but I thank GOD I’ve never been in dangerous situations even when I was in patrol Nairobi,” he adds. As he is based in operations room in Yatta Police division that gives him flexibility to compose songs as his police work is from 8am to 5pm job. Most of his shows are on evenings from 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays on those weekends he is booked to perform. “Having seniors who support is vital, I’ve never been harassed for singing,” said Nduati. None of Nduati’s two sons have an interest in music. His first born is studying Bachelor of Science in statistics at Kenyatta University the younger in Primary school.

Nduati admits he is open to performing outside Kenya if given a chance. Radio Jambo owned by Njoki wa Ndegwa, in Boston recently interviewed him asking when he will perform. “They play my songs there,” said Nduati. His most memorable performance was in 2008 before he had an accident. Then he was involved a promotion that cemented his status as a central Kenya performer. Fans can interact with him at www.facebook.com/officialkakamannduati

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Ben Githae: The “mabataro makwa” hit maker shares his colorful musical journey

Before Ben Githae, sung Kikuyu gospel music for Kenya and the rest of the world, his first audience as a young boy growing up in Nduthi-Ini Village, Gatundu South comprised of coffee pickers. Instead of picking coffee, he would be perched on a coffee tree and singing for those picking. “My passion for music started at an early age,” remembers Githae.

Growing Up

He attended Muthurumbi Primary School and at that age knew he had a special gift among his peers of memorizing songs. As he remembers once he heard a song, he needed to hear it just once more, to be able to memorize it all, without messing any word. “I think I loved singing more than I do today as then I was a fan today other people are my fans,” Githae told Kikuyu Musicians. At primary school, other children came so he could copy songs lyrics for them. That led him to be nicknamed ‘Karendiu’ (small radio) for his love of anything singing.

Early Musical Influences

In the era of mid 70s the likes of John Ndichu of ‘Cucu wa Gakunga’ fame and later Mary Wambui, Mary Atieno, Shari Martin and the Kassangas in the 80s were musicians Githae admired. In primary school he was the vocalist during school festivals. He also at an early age was involved in Kikuyu children radio programs at KBC hosted by Jemimah Mwaura like Nyihia Hwai. Those programs used to tell stories of Wangombe wa Ihura and Githae would also sing on them.

Afterwards he went to Ituro high school where singing took a backseat to acting though he still sang traditional songs. “I was a very good actor and well known in Gatundu,” said Githae. After high school and getting a C+, his grandmother employed him, in her Posho mill as Githae explored his college options. Incidentally another now famed Kikuyu Gospel Musician Jane Muthoni used to work with Githae in that Posho Mill. Jane Muthoni, has actually composed a song “Ciugo Cia Kanua” based on her experience working in that Posho Mill owned by Githae’s grandparents.

Entry to recording

Working there, did not dim Githae’s musical aspirations in the village he was known as Githae of Carry 1 who loves to sing and works in a Posho Mill. Carry 1 was his grandfather’s nickname. Then in 1994 he got born again and with Jane Muthoni they used to compose songs at the Posho Mill. They also began leading praise and worship in churches around Gatundu and got many invites. “But we were good according to village standards,” recalls Githae laughing. In 1995, Githae composed ‘Mwiri Uyu’ while Jane also composed the famed hit ‘Giagai na hinya mwi thiini wa Mwathani.’ He desired to record.

People advised him to tape himself in a cassette then, approach a producer with recorded material. He approached Joseph Kamaru in 1996 with samples and Kamaru felt Githae could sing. As he had no money to record, all production expenses were shouldered by Kamaru. His first album ‘Mwiri Uyu’ was released that year. Githae remembers challenges for a budding musician then, wishing to have music receive radio airplay on KBC was that one had to go through known producers. Then it was the era of producers like Kamaru, Kassangas, Kimani Thomas and Wamaitu Productions.

Parental Resistance

The desire by Githae to be a musician wasn’t shared by his mom. Among the college options explored for Githae by his aunt was studying to be a teacher. There was also an uncle who could have connected him to study in medical college as a clinical officer. But Githae was adamant he wanted to be in music. This irked her mother, to thinking he was crazy. She would challenge Githae to be in a respectable dignified profession like a teacher or clinical officer not a musician. He persisted on his stand and in 1996 released ‘Mwiri uyu’ produced by Kamaru.

“I didn’t earn much from the album, the terms were awful but all the same I became a musician,” said Githae. The agreement with Kamaru was that per cassette sold he would earn Sh10. However for him to start earning the Sh10 per cassette, Kamaru would first have to sell 2000 cassettes to offset his production expenses. Still he managed to sell the 2000 copies and started receiving the cash.

For his second album he approached Peter Kigia who had better terms. Kigia gave him a down payment and per cassette sold Githae would earn Sh20 since he perceived Githae would sell and had talent. There he released a famed Swahili album “Chunga Ulimi Wako.” In 2002 he decided to self produce and around then Kameme FM had launched so for Githae who was a household name taking his music there was easy. He released ‘Aganu no Marithira’ he would sell it in crusades and churches and also released ‘Ndathima’ album. In 2005 he released ‘Nigukwagira.’ But in 2006 Githae decided to modernize his recording from the River Road style.

Kisima Award

The next album was produced at an up market studio in Westlands. It produced a monster of Swahili hit ‘Mulianza na Roho’ that won Githae a Kisima Award. In 2007 he released ‘ona ageria niekuremwo’ album that had hits like ‘niwe unjikite uu Mwathani’ and ‘irathimo Ciakwa.’ The following year he released ‘Timiza Maono’ a Swahili album. In 2010 he released the famed ‘Mabataro Makwa’ album which was a crossover hit among various tribes in Kenya. In 2011 he released ‘kaba kwiyaria’ and ‘witue mundu’ albums the latter a wisdom for living hit. In 2012 he released ‘Tabia Mbaya’ album and his latest in 2013 is ‘Guthii ni Guthii’ with hits like jubilee.

Composing Style and Mabataro Makwa Influence

Being such a prolific musician, when composing Githae draws song writing inspiration from situations he observes and the Bible. He also strives to make his songs relatable to everyday living. “Ultimately it’s GOD who gives me revelation,” said Githae. For his cross over hit ‘Mabataro Makwa’ he composed the song while on a plane from US to London seated near an old white grandma from UK. As he assisted her buckle and open a can of soda, the grandma would narrate to Githae of how rich she was, and properties she owned but not in a prideful manner. She told Githae, all she does nowadays is travel around the world to see her children and grandchildren.

As he flew from UK to Nairobi inspiration for ‘Mabataro Makwa’ hit Githae and the song about him desiring to be blessed by GOD abundantly occupied him. In the song there is a phrase if GOD created the earth and heavens by his Word, fulfilling Githae’s needs is no big deal to him. When he landed in Nairobi he polished the song that subsequently became a de facto spiritual anthem to every Kenyan, with needs waiting on GOD to fulfill them.

For Githae, composing comes chronologically like a story with melodies in tow. But there are songs that are problematic that he at times has to rest when composing and resume later with a fresh outlook. “ But others take 20 minutes,” he said. He attributes the longevity of his songs to GOD’s favor and also writing messages that relate to people and are Biblical. He points to a song like ‘Mulianza na Roho’ to illustrate how that Biblical message he based the song on, as still relevant today.

Humility amidst fame

Regardless of the fame he has received, Githae regards humility as key to exaltation. “Don’t let the celebrity mentality get into your head you will become prideful,” he said. “Let your songs go up in fame and leave you down here as Ben Githae,” he adds. According to him songs are the hit not the musicians. Though piracy he admits has hit him, he says advances in technology have opened other avenues for earning through music like Safaricom’s Skiza tunes and ringtones. “Concerts and shows I perform in can’t be pirated and I can’t complain, GOD has blessed me,” he adds.

Memorable Performances

To date Githae cites 3 shows as his most memorable performances. The first was in Nyayo Stadium hosted by Kameme FM where on taking the stage, people left the stands and run to the pitch to sing. The other was in Nyeri during the launch of Kikuyu Bible where Kenya’s former president Mwai Kibaki was attending. As Githae recalls, the former president even stood to sing and sway to the music which is uncharacteristic of him. The last event was by Safaricom in Meru, where he was a supposed to be a curtain raiser to the likes of Jaguar but he instead eclipsed them. “I went to that stage and the crowd atmosphere changed it gave me lots of joy,” Githae remembers.

Advice to Upcoming Artistes

His advice to upcoming musicians wishing to make it into the industry is to have their music professionally produced and aggressively push it to radio and TV. “Still it’s all about GOD’s favor and timing when it’s your time HE will make a way,” says Githae. Besides singing, Githae plays drums and by his humorous admission, is an amateur keyboard player who plays at events when no one else is available to play. He also prefers to sing live if instrumentalists are available than with playback.

For this father of two daughters, His faith in Christ guides him and has to coincide with his music to avoid misleading people. This year 2013 he turns 40 and is not ashamed to admit it.

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Jerrie Jesh:Ushering a new era of gospel musicals at River Road Nairobi

Though not famous as her contemporaries in Kikuyu Music in River Road, Jerrie Jesh a gospel artiste, actress and script writer is ushering a new era in River Road of making gospel musicals. Already, her first production in 2013 Munabii wa Maheni (false prophet) starring Kikuyu comedy legend Wandahuhu has sold over 3000 copies amidst the piracy.

Early Life

Jerrie’s musical roots began when growing up in Makuyu where she sang in the church and school choir as her parents were devout Christians. Her early influences then were Machakos Town Choir and Tanzania’s music that played on Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC). When she came to Nairobi in 1991 aspiring to record she couldn’t. Then it was impossible for her to self produce and she had no money. So she just composed songs and stored them. She nonetheless, continued in music business by selling cassettes she bought from Uganda and Tanzania.

Influences

Her musical role models then were Joseph Mwaura of Muthini wa Ngai fame. “I used to follow them where they sang,” remembers Jerrie. However all her compositions were stolen when her house was burgled around 195 and she lost the motivation to compose. She left to UK in 2000 where she stayed until 2004. In UK she self produced her album and Mathani Ikumi, (Ten Commandments) in 2005 just as VCDs shooting was becoming commonplace at River Road. “The shooting of VCDs was low quality so I decided to wait,” said Jerrie.

Debut Album

Self producing for Jerrie was because most producers she approached were looking for a big name and they didn’t think she was it. Nevertheless the album sold around 3000 copies boosted by air play it received from kikuyu radio stations like Inooro, Coro and Kameme FM on release. For Jerrie most of her compositions come about when she sleeps. “I get choruses, melodies and songs that way,” she says. Still her signature song Mathani Ikumi was harder and took years to be perfect. “Once a melody comes to my head it never disappears,” she said.

Acting

To market her music she relies on friends and words of mouth. This is to avoid what she calls church hoping to sell copies which can lead to her losing identity and lacking spiritual grounding. She has still released a second album “Njira ni Igiri.” In her new comedy musical film, she says she wanted to write songs with theatrical plays on them as opposed to just music. “So more people can connect with the songs messages,” Jerrie said. The mini title BABITO is from Baba, Bibi na Watoto, it’s about a church run by a greedy false prophet and his equally crooked wife and children.

For the production she wrote the script, directed and acted in it as the neutral observer of the goings on in the BABITO twisted church. According to Jerrie, her Christian faith motivates her to sing and act. “It’s my calling if its not in You, you can’t do it,” she adds. To get her albums and releases contact her on +254 723 100 195/+254 733 663 999 or by email jeshjames@yahoo.com

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Leah Mercy Ngugi: From rejection to redemption and ‘uranyarara niki’ inspiration

Within Kikuyu Gospel Music the song ‘uranyarara niki’ (why belittle me) is a staple in Kikuyu radio stations and has become a spiritual anthem to encourage those whose hopes are dashed by life’s trials and tempests. Yet if anyone was justified from a young age to give up on life, it was the songstress behind the song, Leah Mercy Ngugi.

Early Life Rejection

Leah was born to an unwed mother in Londiani Division Kericho County, over twenty years ago. Her mom conceived her while in high school, Form 2 as a result her well off, educated family due to shame she had brought expelled Leah’s expectant mom from home. Her mom reluctantly went to stay with Leah’s biological dad until she was born, but they separated later.

Frustrations got better of Leah’s mom and she saw her young daughter as reason why her future got destroyed. As a result by the time Leah was 7 years, she experienced lots of psychological and physical abuse from her mom. “She had no ill will but frustrations she got from parents were directed to me,” said Leah. Her mom also married another man and had children. The new step father to Leah, unlike her mom was “friendly” to her, but his intention was to sexually abuse her. It got so bad; that Leah was almost raped by her step father, at age 10.

Fearful of telling her mom since she would be beaten up; her only option was to run from home. She took refuge at a teacher’s home studied and worked as a house girl. Her relief was short lived as her mom came for her, beat her and urged her to leave home and get married. Surprisingly at school, regardless of domestic troubles Leah was academically brilliant and used to be number 1 or 2 in Kericho district at exams. Teachers were lenient on her due to her tough family issues and never punished her when she got to school late.

Fleeing home

With life at home unbearable, Leah travelled to Karatina by lying to get transport there. Getting to Karatina and stranded, a lady about her business noticed and approached her. Leah told her he was waiting for a lady who had promised to employ her as a house girl but couldn’t locate her. The lady gave her a house girl job at her house where besides being beaten, she was overworked and had to draw water from a well and irrigate land every morning and evening. The torture was too much that she fled and lied to get transport to Nyeri.

Homelessness

For two days in Nyeri, she wandered hopelessly and at night, slept in public toilets and bathrooms. By the 3rd day, she had not eaten. She went to a hotel called Munyaka and saw a youthful man on a table by himself. Hungry she gathered courage and told him she was hungry. The man ordered food for her. After eating she poured all her life frustrations on her. It was odd for her since in her life no matter, what she went through she never told anyone. Though the man was startled at first by her story, he broke out laughing. The man told her it’s no big deal and it’s normal to be chased away from home as he had also been chased. Leah got encouraged and saw it as normal to be chased away.

The man offered her a “home” to stay and told her there are others like him who had been chased way. Leah agreed and the man Njoroge later insisted he call her dad.

Living with Gangsters in a Cave

The man took her to a cave hidden in thickets by River Chania minutes away from Karatina town. The cave had thin mattresses, clothes and 5 other men. He introduced Leah to them as his daughter and organized for her, to be getting breakfast, lunch and supper at Munyaka Hotel at his expense. He used to give her money to buy mitumba (second hand) clothes at markets in Nyeri. For Leah, the cave was the best place she had lived. She considered it home since she had been in worse off situations. “I got to sleep without fear and I was happy,” said Leah.

Every evening they left and told her they had jobs of loading dry maize to trucks. They returned in the morning with wrapped up bhang. Leah was given the task of sorting seeds from dried plants. Then she didn’t know it was bhang. When they smoked it, they told her its medicine to treat their brain disorders. They also forbade her to smoke it by telling her if she did, she would be sick like them. But Within her she sensed something was amiss with the men but she was naïve to point it out.

Guns also used to lie around the cave but she had no idea what they were. “I’d never watched TV but I wondered what those were,” said Leah laughing. One day as she wandered around Nyeri she saw a policeman with an AK-47 gun similar to what she saw at the cave. Days later as she wandered in Majengo area a shoot out broke out between thugs and police. To her surprise one of the men involved was a man who lived in the cave. The police apprehended him by shooting his head and foot. Leah ran back to the cave crying and told Njoroge one of the accomplice had been shot. She was scolded by him and asked where she learned that was a shoot out.

Njoroge laughed and dismissed the shoot out as street play. She was warned if she saw that happen again she should run back “home.” He also enquired if she had been followed but she wasn’t. She was also warned never to ask about that particular shot uncle again she never saw him again. Another day as she went to a show in Ruringu stadium after Njoroge gave her Sh200 she bumped into another shoot out. Another of the robber Gichomo in the cave was shot and arrested, Leah never saw him again.

She ran back home with questions on their lifestyle. When she told Njoroge he was livid and insisted to her that was another street play not a shoot out. They were eliminated gradually. The third thug disappeared only Njoroge her “Dad” and Kamau were left. One day when her “Dad” was out Kamau attempted to rape her, she screamed and Kamau told her it’s only a play. She ran out crying into the thickets it brought recurring memories of her step Dad attempted rape years earlier. Luckily Njoroge arrived and asked her “my child why are you crying” when he saw her.

When Leah narrated her near rape ordeal, Njoroge her “Dad” had a physical confrontation with Kamau and stabbed him. Kamau screamed at Njorge “why do you want to kill me over a child You don’t know. “ Njoroge who led the gang threw his belongings out of the cave and expelled Kamau. “I think bhang made them very angry, Kamau left bleeding,” said Leah. The turn of events stressed Leah and at night she seldom slept due to fear. She left the cave and ran off to Mahiga market at evening as she stood there, stranded a lady saw and approached her.

Leah lied to her she was waiting for a Mama Wanja who had promised her a job. All ladies with that name were called and she said it was neither of them. The lady, decided to take her to be a house girl for her daughter. She was around 12 years and the lady who employed her, treated her well. After two days she went looking for Njoroge in the cave and found him washing his face in the morning. Shocked, he asked where she had been, Leah told him she got a job and was well treated. She took him to a neighborhood where she was employed. Satisfied Njoroge allowed her to stay there.

Njoroge - Gangster and Father Figure

One thing about Njoroge “Dad” that left an indelible mark in Leah’s life to date was despite Njoroge being a thug he counseled her on never to steal and to be obedient. “That man was my dad and mom,” recalls Leah. Every evening he came to check on her or at times in the morning. He would whistle and she would come out to avoid being discovered by her employer. She nevertheless discovered and but thought it was Leah’s boyfriend. Around that time Leah learned from a lady friend that in Nairobi there were better job opportunities.

Coming to Nairobi

She came to Nairobi alone and ended up in Kawangware. As she wandered about a lady who knew her from Londiani recognized her. She led Leah to her uncle’s place living in Kawangware. She worked there without pay but later got a house girl’s job at friend of her uncle’s. The lady of the house paid her Sh1200. She was overworked sleeping at 1am and waking up at 4am. She also at times never ate breakfast or lunch and supper was in rations. One day during street skirmishes in Kawangware she took a different route and ended up in her uncle’s home. She narrated to him all she went through.

Her livid uncle told her to stay but she insisted to go back for her belongings at her employer’s home. Going back to pick her stuff the lady threw Leah out. Afterwards, she had a change of heart on realizing the diligence Leah had when she worked did for her. She cried and begged her uncle to allow her but to no avail. While Leah still worked there, from her savings she would buy curtains, mitumba clothes and resell them. God blessed her with another house girl job that paid her Sh2000.

Early Business Beginnings

Not long, the owner who was a widower got so impressed with her work caring for her kids and great housekeeping and gave her a raise of Sh500. Since she had lots of free time, she noticed that across the street where she lived was a club owned by one of her employer’s brothers. Her employer allowed her to open a sausage stand next to it which she ran in her free time. The stand flourished that she opened another one and employed an attendant. Then she was 17 years and quit her house girl job.

Business Flourishing and God’s Favor

Her budding business of selling mitumba and curtains flourished that she rented a one bed roomed apartment for Sh5000 and later one for Sh9000. She then moved her business to Kahawa West. In 2007 she released her first album ‘Tigai gutua thakame ya Jesu Mai’ She got connected to the music industry through Murimi wa Kahalf of Momo fame who her customer. Later she met Trizah Wambui who was back up vocalist for ND Githuka’s Kahii CD and also backed her. She released her second album in which didn’t do well and a follow up Swahili album titled Unaweza in 2009.

Release of Uranyarara Niki Album

Album Launch @St Andrews

However Uranyarara Niki her 4^th album, brought her to fore of Kikuyu Gospel Music receiving much airplay in Coro, Inooro and Kameme FM. It was launched in April 14 2013, at St Andrews University way an event which Jeremy Damaris was MC. The song’s inspiration came after she got a lift in a vehicle owned by a friend who wasn’t willing to give it to her. By the time she got home she had the whole song worked out. She didn’t think much of the song even when she presented it late to Dede Records producer as album filler. When the producer heard it, he told her that is the main song. Her preference and one she thought would have impact on release was titled thimu ya Ngai (God’s Phone line).

Album Airplay and Impact

When she took the song to Kameme FM PM Squared opted to play Uranyarara Niki though Leah wasn’t convinced the song was a gem. Wanjiru wa Mbugua (Dere Supa) from Coro FM also preferred the song as well as Man Simo of Inooro FM. The song ended up becoming a monster hit and the album has so far sold 25,000 copies. “I thank God for uplifting me yet there are so many musicians’ songs never get airplay not because they are not good,” Leah told Kikuyu Musicians.

Reconciliation with Mom

Looking back at her life so far, Leah glorifies God for covering her in all she went through. Though her mom rejected her she has never hated or had grudges at her. By time of her passing in 2011 they were best of friends. “Though she tortured me, she made me get to where I am today,” says Leah. Her mom got born again and was her intercessor until her death. Though her mom asked her for forgiveness later Leah never bore in grudges against her. “She would pray and fast for me for days,” remember Leah. “I think God took her because I had turned her into a god and stopped prayed,” she adds. For her even if she is offended she forgets and moves on quickly. “I think it’s a weakness,” Leah says laughing.

Sharing Story at Kameme FM

When she shared her story on Kameme FM with presenter Rachel Wa Kuria the morning of launching ‘Uranyarara Niki’ album several suicides were averted. After the show 10 people called to tell her they were on verge of suicide but stopped and to date they still call. One case that struck her was of a lady who had already mixed up poison but opted to take it after listening to her story. She didn’t kill herself and ended up born again. Children were also reconciled with estranged parents. When she shared her story at Kameme FM she was surprised by the reception since to her, her life was ordinary. “There are people who have gone through worse, than me,” said Leah.

Life’s Lesson

From her life’s lesson she pleads with people to know for every trials and difficult times, there is a reason and God may have them there to usher one to destiny. Also living with Njoroge the gangster made Leah realize, God doesn’t have to use a Christian to help You. God uses worst of characters to be a blessing to a person like HE used Njoroge. “God also likes humility and out of that he will give You a testimony,” said Leah.

On Njoroge her Gangster “Father”

Looking back at the one year she spent in the cave under his care, Leah reckons God must have put an angel in the soul of Njoroge. This considering that Njoroge cared for her like a father to a daughter when he wasn’t obligated to, if anything Leah thinks, Njoroge could have done the worst to her if he wished, but didn’t. Looking back to her young life it’s now she notes the many risks she was under. She used to pray and that to her that was ordinary life even sleeping in public bathrooms.

Counselor

Her unfilled wish is to meet Njoroge and thank him. She has gone back severally to trace him in Nyeri to no avail. Since they parted when she came to Nairobi, Leah has never seen Njoroge again. “If I was to see him he would be my dad and best friend,” Leah says. Today she is a counselor to schools, couples and churches. She is also a building contractor who has helped musicians like Wakabura Joseph, Solomon Nganga and Loise Kim in their real estate building ventures.

Supporting Kikuyu Gospel

To support Kikuyu Gospel Leah has paid studio time for budding gifted gospel musicians who lack money to produce without ever asking for a refund. She however laments that gospel music today has become commercialized and more entertainment. According to her, when albums are being sold they need to be accompanied by preaching. “If one soul is saved there is more blessing,” said Leah.

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