A Prayer Day at Moi Girls High School, Kapsowar, has become a life-changing moment for gospel evangelist Richard Nyamunyamu, after a video of him preaching alongside his daughter went viral, earning him national recognition and inspiring thousands of Kenyans.
Nyamunyamu, who travelled from Nyamira County to attend the school’s Prayer Day event, was invited by teachers to lead worship after they learned he was a gospel musician.
Rather than perform alone, he chose to preach with his daughter, a student at the school. A parent recorded the heartfelt duet, and the video quickly spread across social media, transforming a simple school performance into a nationwide story of faith, resilience, and hope.
The performance struck a chord with many viewers, who praised not only Nyamunyamu’s powerful voice, but also his confidence and joy despite living with a physical disability since birth.
Among those touched by the viral video was Eldoret-based Wareng Power House. Moved by his story, the group presented the evangelist with an electric wheelchair, to improve his mobility.
Wareng Power House Administrator, Dun Meli, said the donation was inspired by the video, which deeply resonated with members of the group.
“The wheelchair is our small gesture of appreciation for his inspiring ministry and unwavering faith,” he said.
Speaking after receiving the wheelchair in Eldoret, Nyamunyamu said the greatest gift from the experience was not fame, but a renewed appreciation of God’s faithfulness throughout his family’s journey.
Reflecting on his daughter’s education, he recalled facing criticism when he enrolled her at Moi Girls High School, Kapsowar, after she scored 399 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education examination.
“People told me the school was too far,” he said. “I prayed and asked God to lead me, and I followed His direction,” he narrated.
Nyamunyamu and his wife are raising five children—four daughters and one son. He credits his wife for keeping the family going through farming, despite their financial struggles.
“My wife carries a big load for us,” he said. “She farms so that our children can stay in school.”
Although his disability continues to present daily challenges, particularly in accessing transport and taking vegetables to the market, Nyamunyamu says his greatest concern has always been helping his children understand and embrace his condition.
“At school, children ask my children why I walk the way I do and why my legs are not like other fathers’. I explained it to them, and they understand now. They love me, and they are proud to call me their father,” he said.
Born with a physical disability that doctors could not treat despite his parents’ efforts, Nyamunyamu refused to allow his condition to define his future. Instead, he embraced gospel music as his calling and has spent years preaching to communities across the country.
While social media turned him into an overnight sensation, Nyamunyamu insists his purpose remains unchanged.
“I still wake-up with one mission—to sing the gospel and encourage others,” he said.
He urged people with disabilities not to withdraw from society, but to pursue their dreams with confidence.
“Disability is not inability. Don’t hide. Don’t hate yourself. God did not make a mistake with you. I see people locking themselves inside their houses. Come out. Work. Trust God. Your blessing is waiting,” he encouraged the physically challenged.
Nyamunyamu’s story is one of perseverance against the odds. A man who overcame childhood struggles with disability, built a family, raised five children and continued to serve through music has now become one of Kenya’s most inspiring viral personalities.
Although the electric wheelchair will ease his movement, it is his unwavering faith, determination and uplifting music that have made Richard Nyamunyamu a powerful voice of hope for people living with disabilities and for countless others inspired by his remarkable journey.
By Shaline Jeruto
