Veteran Kenyan gospel singer Mary Atieno Ominde has received a life-changing gift after being presented with a three-bedroom house in Nairobi worth approximately Sh11 million, bringing an emotional end to years of struggling to secure stable housing.
The house, located in Buru Buru, was gifted by philanthropist and author Larry Liza, who said he was touched by the singer’s story and her immense contribution to Kenya’s gospel music industry.
The emotional handover has sparked widespread praise online, with many Kenyans celebrating the act of generosity toward one of the country’s most respected gospel music pioneers.
Mary Atieno’s story recently captured public attention after she shared her struggles with paying rent despite her decades-long career in music and education.
In interviews, the veteran singer revealed that she once struggled to raise Sh26,000 required as a house deposit, a situation that shocked many fans who grew up listening to her gospel music.
It was after hearing about these struggles that Larry Liza stepped in to help.
According to the philanthropist, he decided to buy and gift the house as a way of honoring the singer’s legacy and ensuring she had a stable home.
The newly gifted home is a three-bedroom house with additional living spaces, offering the singer a comfortable environment as she enters her later years.
Located in the middle-class Nairobi estate of Buru Buru, the property is estimated to be worth about Sh11 million.
The moment the keys were handed over was emotional, with videos circulating online showing the gospel legend overcome with gratitude as she was shown around the house.
Among those present during the celebration was renowned Kenyan gospel singer Kambua, who joined well-wishers in congratulating Atieno on the milestone.
Mary Atieno Ominde is widely regarded as one of the early pioneers of Kenyan gospel music.
Her career spans more than four decades, during which she has produced numerous songs that became staples in churches and Christian gatherings across the country.
Some of her best-known songs include “Adamu na Eva,” which remains popular among gospel audiences.
Beyond music, the singer also dedicated much of her life to education, working as a teacher for over 30 years while simultaneously building her music career.
Her influence helped shape the gospel music scene long before the genre became commercially successful in Kenya.
News of the house gift has sparked widespread praise across social media platforms, with many Kenyans applauding the philanthropist for recognising the singer’s legacy.