The Kenyan gospel fraternity is mourning the loss of veteran gospel artist Regina Muthoni, known for her powerful worship songs Yesu Ulishinda and Ngai Nimwaro.
The singer passed away on Thursday, October 2, at her home in Githurai 44, Nairobi. Her passing has left fans, fellow artistes, and church leaders in deep sorrow.
Who Was Regina Muthoni?
Regina Muthoni was a beloved gospel voice who inspired many through her faith and music. Her songs, filled with messages of victory and resilience, earned her a special place in Kenya’s gospel scene.
Colleagues remember her as a devoted worshipper whose humility and strength of spirit resonated with anyone who met her.
How Regina Muthoni Was Found
According to close friends, Muthoni was discovered unresponsive at her Githurai home by a long-time companion who had visited her earlier that week.
The friend recalled how they had shared a heartfelt conversation about marriage and faith just days before.
On Thursday, she returned at Muthoni’s request but found the singer lying still. “When I touched her, her body was already cold,” the friend said. Muthoni’s remains were later taken to the Kenyatta University Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary.
Muthoni’s Final Chats with a Preacher
Following her death, screenshots of conversations between Muthoni and a preacher known as Lilly Young surfaced online.
The two had exchanged messages weeks before the singer’s passing, revealing Muthoni’s unwavering faith and gratitude even in frailty.
In the chats, Muthoni warmly greeted Lilly, asking when she would visit her again. Lilly replied that she planned to come the following week, to which Muthoni joyfully responded that she would be waiting for “green maize.”
When Lilly eventually visited on September 15, Muthoni expressed her appreciation, writing: “May the Lord who sees in secret reward you many times. You have won my heart.” The preacher replied with prayers for her healing, to which Muthoni responded, “May you never lack.”
A Visit Filled with Hope
In a moving tribute shared online, Lilly recounted how she had travelled from Nyeri to Nairobi to see her ailing friend.
She brought along Muthoni’s favourite breakfast — boiled bananas, eggs, and tea — before accompanying her to hospital for a blood test.
“I will never forget how lively and hopeful she was,” Lilly wrote. “She told me she would soon recover and stand with me again in ministry. She believed her time was not yet.”
Despite receiving medical attention, including a blood transfusion, Muthoni’s condition worsened. She remained optimistic, however, telling those around her that she would return to full strength and continue serving in ministry. Sadly, that hope was not realised.
Outpouring of Tributes
Following the heartbreaking news, tributes flooded social media as fans and fellow gospel artistes shared their memories of Muthoni. Many praised her unwavering faith and ability to uplift others through her songs.
“Her music always reminded us that victory belongs to God,” one fan wrote on Facebook. Others described her as “a gentle soul” and “a woman of great anointing.”
Gospel artists such as Waithaka wa Jane and other industry veterans lauded her contribution to shaping Kenya’s gospel sound, saying her music had become a source of comfort for believers across generations.
Remembering a Faithful Servant
In her emotional farewell, Lilly summed up what many felt about the singer’s final days:
“Though my heart is heavy, I thank God for the moments we shared — for the gift of your friendship and the faith you carried even in weakness. Sleep well, my beloved friend, until we meet again in the land where joy never ends.”
By Geoffrey mbuthia
