Gospel minister Size 8 has opened up about the heart-wrenching period when she was forced to miss her mother’s burial.
Speaking on the Netwalking Show with host Wilbroda, the singer detailed the traumatic events of November 2015. The interview took place at her home, where the two long-time friends reflected on her journey from secular fame to ministry.
Size 8, whose real name is Linet Munyali, described that time as a period of extreme emotional opposites. She had just welcomed her daughter, Ladasha Belle, but lost her mother, Esther Munyali, only hours later.
A medical crisis
The pregnancy was a significant physical struggle for the "Mateke" singer. She suffered from severe high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia. Doctors eventually determined that both her life and the baby's life were at risk.
"I was rushed into the operating room. Me and the daughter we are in danger. 2015 November was my darkest month,” she added.
Missing the final goodbye
Her mother passed away shortly after the surgery due to organ failure. Because of the fresh surgical wound and her daughter’s premature state, medical professionals forbade Size 8 from travelling to Uganda for the funeral.
"I never buried her because I couldn't." She was only allowed a very brief moment to see her mother's body before the family departed. "I only saw my mom’s body for 5 minutes."
The singer recalled the impossible choice she faced during her recovery. "The doctor told me to choose my mom or the doctor or my daughter."
Financial and emotional strain
The loss was compounded by a dire financial situation. Size 8 had exhausted her savings to pay for her mother’s extensive medical care.
"I had 58 shillings in my account," she admitted. She explained that she was the primary person responsible for the hospital bills. "Cuz I was the one trying to make for my mom’s hospital bill."
The musician Jaguar eventually stepped in to assist with the funeral expenses. While her family and husband went to lay her mother to rest, Size 8 remained in Nairobi.
"I was alone at home. Everyone has gone to bury my mom So it's you and your thoughts and the baby." She described the loneliness of that day. "I took the baby, I put the baby on the seat I lied on the floor and just cried."
Despite the pain, Size 8 views her motherSize 8 views her mother as the reason for her spiritual transformation. Before her death, her mother fasted for 40 days to pray for her daughter’s salvation.
Today, the minister uses her platform to share these experiences. She hopes her story of survival through her darkest season will offer hope to others.
