Kenya’s gospel fraternity is mourning the death of Regina Muthoni, the legendary artist behind the timeless hit “Yesu Ulishinda” — a song that shaped the childhood and early Christian lives of many millennials.
Regina passed away on 2nd October 2025 at her home in Githurai 44, with the news of her death announced by fellow gospel artist Ngaruiya Junior.
“We want to announce the death of our legend. Regina has gone to be with the Lord. We send our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and fans,” said Ngaruiya Junior.
A Humble Beginning
Born in Ithare, Kabare, Kirinyaga County, Regina Muthoni attended Gatunguru Primary School, where her love for singing began. While her classmates played outside, young Regina stayed in the classroom singing — a sign of the passion that would later define her life.
Her upbringing, however, was far from easy. Regina once revealed that her mother did not support her dream or education, preventing her from joining secondary school despite her good performance in KCPE.
Life’s challenges pushed her to start small businesses, including selling bananas at Kutus, where she later met a man from Embu who married her. The marriage, however, did not last, forcing her to face life’s battles alone.
The Song That Defined an Era
In 1991, Regina recorded the gospel hit “Yesu Ulishinda” — a song that instantly became a household anthem across churches in Kenya.
The powerful lyrics, simple rhythm, and joyful message of victory in Christ resonated deeply, especially with children and youth choirs.
Decades later, the song still evokes nostalgia. Following her death, many Kenyans flooded social media with fond memories of how they danced to “Yesu Ulishinda” during Sunday school and youth services.
A Painful Search for Her Son
Just weeks before her death, Regina appeared on Kameme FM’s popular show “Njanjo ya Muturire”, hosted by Man Nyari and Mercy Nungari, in search of her missing son, Jackson Murimi.
Sadly, she passed on before they could reunite.
In a bittersweet twist, Murimi was found shortly after her death — though in prison. Mercy Nungari confirmed the news on Facebook:
“Glory to God! At least Jackson Murimi, son to the late Regina Muthoni (Ulishida), has been found before his mother’s burial — as it was her wish and prayer, though in prison.”
Ngaruiya Junior: Standing in the Gap
Unlike many instances where the music fraternity rallies behind a fallen artist’s family, Regina’s case was different — many stayed away. But Ngaruiya Junior stood firmly in the gap, offering unwavering support from the day he announced her passing.
Speaking during the memorial, he said:
“I’m standing with Regina as a friend and I decided to stand in the gap when I realised people were staying away from her case. My late mother told me before passing away — this is how you receive your blessings.”
Ngaruiya mobilized support for the burial, reaching out to Dennis Itumbi, who sent his contribution, and Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who stepped in to cover tents, chairs, mortuary fees, and the hearse.
He also confirmed that Governor Waiguru promised a dignified space for the funeral service and that he had engaged Itumbi to help Regina’s son.
A Legacy of Faith and Resilience
As Regina Muthoni is laid to rest on 14th October 2025 in her home county of Kirinyaga, her story reminds Kenyans of resilience, faith, and humility.
From a little girl singing alone in class to a woman whose voice still echoes across generations, Regina’s journey — though marked by hardship — was a testimony of victory, just like her song “Yesu Ulishinda.”
And through it all, God raised Ngaruiya Junior to stand in the gap — turning pain into purpose and ensuring that this gospel legend receives a dignified farewell.
