Gospel singer Eveline Atieno Muthoka’s parents and siblings died within a span of seven years. Her hubby divorced her because he feared she was the ‘angel of death’. She moved to Magadi where she did menial jobs to eke a living. Here, she met her husband who gave her hope and restored her self-esteem. She talked to CATE MUKEI
How was your childhood days like?
I was born in a good family. My father ensured we were comfortable and never lacked anything. It was bliss. I grew up in Nairobi and had a taste of city life.
Later, my parents built a house in our ancestral land in Kisumu, where we relocated. A few years later, things went south. Our lives changed for the worst.
What happened? Drama started in January 1999 after my father died from a mysterious disease. The same year, in February, my mother also died after suffering from stress-related complications.
After my dad’s death, my uncle really stressed her up. They came and demanded their brother’s property. Things were tough since my mother couldn’t provide for us. We were 10 kids. Sometimes we went to bed hungry. The only thing we could afford was water. The following year, in 2000, my elder sister also died.
What exactly killed her?
There were rumours that her co-wife bewitched her. It was one of those deaths that we couldn’t explain. In 2001, my brother and his wives died.
It was really devastating. Between 2001 and 2006, I lost seven of my siblings and was the only one left. My sisters and their husbands also died.
Did this affect you? Yes. My husband and his relatives disowned me because they believed I was carrying a curse of death. He said he did not want to die young.
But I understood where he was coming from because the strange deaths in our family were worrying. I decided to go back home in Kisumu.
How was life in Kisumu? It was tough. The stigma was too much. I remember this day when I boarded a matatu and one of the female passengers asked the tout to drop her at the ‘graveyard,’ which was where our home was.
Apparently, they had nicknamed the place near our home graveyard. I was angry and hated my life. To make matters worse, my uncle took over my father’s house and sold most of the household stuff to chang’aa brewers.
Did you remarry?
I moved to Magadi town where I made mandazi and did menial jobs to survive. While there, I joined the choir. I was looking after my late sisters’ kids. I later met my current husband Boniface Muthoka, whom I must admit encouraged me and gave me a reason to live.
Was he not scared of your past misfortunes?
His friends warned him not to marry me, but he was determined. He told me if I was death, he was ready to take a risk and invite death to his house. This gave me hope and I even managed to change the name of my home from ‘graveyard’ to ‘Kuokoka Stage.’
This means you got born again? Yes. In 2006, I invited pastors and people in the gospel industry, including Anastacia Mukabwa. We spent a whole week praying and fasting. It was a turning point. I also built a house for widows at the house. I named it Medina Homes after my father.
How are your nieces? They are okay. I built a home for them and encouraged them to get married while still young. I have three children. One adopted and the other two I had with my husband.
What about your music? Music saved my life. I don’t know whether I would have made it without music. I work closely with my husband who is my producer. My singles which include Tubuni Kenya, Adhi Ane Mor and Akambitha have been well received by both gospel and secular music lovers. My fans often call and tell me that my music has really changed them.
What would you tell those who could be in the same predicament you were in?
No situation is permanent. Just believe in God and He will deliver you!