Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) CEO Ezekiel Mutua has dismissed claims suggesting that legendary gospel singer Mary Atieno is struggling financially, clarifying that widely circulated images misrepresented her actual situation.
In an official statement shared on Facebook on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Mutua explained that the viral photo showing the “Adamu na Awa” hitmaker in a seemingly modest appearance was taken during a kesha, an overnight prayer service held in a church setting.
“Setting the Record Straight on Legendary Gospel Singer Mama Mary Atieno of ‘Adamu na Awa’ Fame: I have noted with deep concern the deliberate misrepresentation of facts surrounding the legendary gospel singer Mama Mary Atieno, renowned for her timeless hit ‘Adamu na Awa’.” The viral photo circulating on social media was taken during a Kesha (overnight prayer meeting) at a church,” he shared.
Mutua stated that such gatherings do not typically involve formal dress or makeup, adding that this crucial context had been deliberately omitted, leading to misleading narratives about the singer’s wellbeing.
He emphasised that the image did not reflect Mary Atieno’s current condition, cautioning the public against drawing conclusions based on a single moment taken out of context.
“It does not depict Mama Mary’s current state or circumstances, despite the misleading and distressing narrative being spread online. Attendees at such spiritual gatherings, like overnight prayers, do not typically appear in makeup or formal attire, a crucial context omitted to perpetuate misinformation,” Mutua added.
At the same time, Mutua highlighted ongoing efforts by well-wishers to support the veteran singer, revealing that she had recently received a new house in Buruburu.
According to the MCSK boss, well-wishers mobilised support from friends and fans and even secured a bank loan of nearly Ksh10 million to complement the contributions, culminating in the handover of the house keys during a special event held on February 7, 2026, at PCEA St Andrews Church in Nairobi.
“Undoubtedly, Mama Mary Atieno deserves the steadfast support of the government, well-wishers, fans, and all Kenyans of goodwill for her invaluable contributions to the gospel music industry. She remains an enduring inspiration to women, embodying the truth that disability is not inability.
It is noteworthy that some of her friends and fans, led by young professional Mr Larry Liza, recently handed over keys to a new house in Buruburu, generously donated through the Larry Liza Foundation. Mr Liza personally secured a bank loan of nearly KSh 10 million to supplement contributions from well-wishers mobilised via his Foundation, and the keys were presented publicly to Mama Mary on 7th February 2026 during a special event at PCEA St Andrews Church in Nairobi,” Mutua wrote.
The event, Mutua revealed, brought together several prominent figures in the gospel music scene, including Sarah K, Kambua and Kestin Mbogo, as well as Joyce Korir, who pledged to mobilise additional government support.
“The ceremony was graced by top gospel artists including Dr Sarah K, Kambua, and Kestin Mbogo, as well as Bomet nominated Senator Hon Joyce Korir Bomet, who accompanied me, gave generously during the event, and pledged to mobilise more support from the government towards this cause,” he added.
Mutua noted that while the house marked a major milestone, there remains a need for furniture and other essentials to ensure the singer lives comfortably, calling on Kenyans of goodwill to continue supporting her.
He further described Mary Atieno as an enduring inspiration, noting that despite her disability and advanced age, she continues to embody resilience and remains a significant figure in the gospel music industry.
“The house requires furniture and other essentials to provide Mama Mary with the comfort befitting her disability and advanced age, and therefore donations from well-wishers are welcome. Indeed, it’s gratifying to witness great Kenyans—such as Mr Larry Liza, Dr Sarah K, and Hon. Joyce Korir, among others—uniting to uplift this legend. I am humbled to have been part of these efforts,” he wrote.
The MCSK CEO also urged the public to verify information before sharing it online, warning that the spread of misleading content undermines the dignity and legacy of respected figures like the veteran singer.
He appealed to fans, the government, and well-wishers both locally and internationally to rally behind Mary Atieno, not only to support her welfare but also to enable her to continue producing music and mentoring upcoming artists.
“We appeal to Mama Mary’s fans in Kenya and worldwide, the government, and all people of goodwill to join these efforts, ensuring Mama Mary is well cared for, continues producing music, and mentors upcoming artists. While Mama Mary merits ongoing support from her admirers, the viral photo and online misrepresentation undermine her dignity and legacy. I urge the public to verify facts before sharing content and to celebrate this legend’s contributions with the respect she deserves. I hope this statement sets the record straight and that it will bring an immediate end to such distortions,” he wrote.