WATCH: Kambua Joins Well-Wisher to Hand Over Sh11 Million Home to Emotional Mary Atieno After Financial Appeal

Veteran Kenyan gospel singer Mary Atieno has received a life-changing gift — a spacious three-bedroom house in Buru Buru Phase 5, Nairobi — thanks to a generous well-wisher, author Larry Liza.

The home, estimated to be worth about KSh 11 million, was gifted to the celebrated gospel singer just days after she emotionally opened up about her financial struggles during a church service.

Her heartfelt testimony about battling rent challenges moved many Kenyans and quickly sparked an outpouring of support.

A New Home in Buru Buru

In early March 2026, the house was officially handed over to Mary. Larry Liza, accompanied by gospel musician Kambua, toured the property in a video that quickly circulated online.

The house features three main bedrooms and an extension with two additional rooms, making it spacious and suitable for Mary and her family. However, the home is currently unfurnished.

Larry explained that he financed the purchase through a combination of personal savings and a loan, saying he felt divinely inspired to honour Mary for her decades of service in gospel music.

He described her as a gospel legend who has “touched the souls of humanity for more than four decades” through spiritually uplifting music.

Both Larry and Kambua have appealed to well-wishers to support the singer further by donating furniture and other household items to help make the house comfortable as Mary prepares to retire later this year.

Emotional Gratitude

Mary was visibly overwhelmed during the handover ceremony.

In emotional moments captured on video, she prayed for Larry and thanked him for what she described as a blessing from God.

Calling him her “destiny helper,” she asked God to reward him with long life, protection, and greater blessings for his generosity.

Public figures also joined the calls for support. Among them was Ezekiel Mutua, who encouraged Kenyans to donate household items to help fully furnish the house.

Testimony That Touched Many

The generous gesture came shortly after Mary shared a deeply personal testimony at a church service.

She recalled painful memories from 2020, when she and her daughter were unable to raise KSh 26,000 needed for a house deposit, forcing them to continue struggling with rent.

Mary also revealed that some people had predicted she would eventually retire in poverty despite her long career in gospel music.

According to her testimony, even some people close to her had suggested that after decades of service, she would end up with nothing.

The emotional clip quickly went viral, prompting widespread concern online. Many Kenyans questioned how a respected gospel singer and long-serving teacher could face such financial hardship, while others praised her resilience and faith.

A Pioneer in Kenyan Gospel Music

Mary Atieno’s journey is deeply connected to the evolution of gospel music in Kenya.

Born visually impaired shortly after birth in Banana, Kiambu County, she was the youngest of eight children in a financially struggling family.

Despite these challenges, she pursued music and launched her gospel career in 1979, rising to prominence during a period when Kenyan gospel music was transitioning from traditional church choirs to recorded music that could reach wider audiences.

Her timeless songs — including “Adamu na Eva” and “Hakuna Mwingine” — became staples in churches and homes across the country. Through powerful storytelling and uplifting melodies, her music resonated deeply with audiences during a time when gospel songs provided spiritual comfort amid economic and social challenges.

Mary also performed for former President Daniel arap Moi on several occasions and at major national events, cementing her reputation as one of Kenya’s gospel pioneers.

Balancing Music and Teaching

Beyond music, Mary built a parallel career in education.

For more than 30 years, she has served as a teacher at Buru Buru Girls High School, mentoring generations of students while continuing her gospel ministry.

Her experience reflects a broader reality for many Kenyan artists from earlier generations, who often balanced creative careers with stable professions due to the limited financial structures within the music industry.

Issues such as music piracy during the cassette era significantly reduced earnings for many gospel musicians, contributing to financial struggles later in life despite their cultural influence.