“Ninasadiki” (The Creed - I Believe in God the Almighty), a moving hymn based on the Nicene Creed, has become one of the most widely sung pieces of Catholic liturgical music in Kenya, resonating with worshippers across generations.
Structured as a call-and-response song, the composition allows the congregation to actively participate in proclaiming their faith.
“Ninasadiki is more than a song. It is a proclamation of faith through music. When the congregation responds ‘Ninasadiki,’ they are declaring what they believe as a community of faith,” said Shujaa Sylvester Otieno, composer, arranger, choral coordinator and conductor.
The piece is part of the renowned Misa Kariobangi (Kariobangi Mass), a Swahili Catholic liturgical mass composed by the late Samuel Ochieng’ Mak’Okeyo, one of the most influential directors of the Kariobangi Holy Trinity choir’s history.
Other signature pieces that define the choir’s musical heritage include Bwana Utuhurumie (a plea for mercy), Utukufu (song of glory), Mtakatifu (Holy, Holy), Kristo Alikufa (Christ died), Baba Yetu (the Lord’s Prayer) and Anaye Kula Mwili Wako, a communion hymn.
These compositions have become staples in many Catholic parishes across the country and helped shape a uniquely Kenyan Catholic musical style.
“Mak’Okeyo understood that music is one of the most powerful ways of teaching faith. When people sing their beliefs, those words remain in their hearts long after the song ends,” Jorum Odhiambo, a long-serving director says.
What began as a modest parish ensemble in Nairobi’s Kariobangi North has grown into a powerful symbol of Catholic sacred music, with compositions that continue to echo in churches across Kenya.
A Legacy Founded in 1972
Founded in 1972 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Kariobangi North Parish, the choir was initially formed to animate Sunday Mass through song. The Catholic Church in Kenya at the time was encouraging the use of African languages, rhythms and cultural expression in liturgy following reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
Inspired by this movement, the founders of the Kariobangi choir sought to create music that resonated with local communities while preserving the sacred spirit of Catholic worship.
“What began as a small parish group soon gained recognition for its disciplined singing, innovative arrangements and deep commitment to liturgical service,” says Odhiambo.
By the late 1970s and early 1980s, the choir had begun participating in choral festivals and church competitions, gradually establishing itself as one of the most respected parish choirs in the Archdiocese of Nairobi.
“The choir was born out of the desire to serve God through music. From a humble parish ministry, it eventually became a platform that nurtured both musical excellence and spiritual growth,” Otieno says.
The Era of Mak'Okeyo
Among the earliest leaders was the late Peter Mutisya, who served as director from 1973 to 1983. He was succeeded by Pius Karanu, who served for a year before passing the baton to Mak’Okeyo, whose influence would shape the choir for decades between the 1980s and 2004.
A gifted composer and arranger, Mak’Okeyo introduced original liturgical works that combined deep theological meaning with vibrant African musical expression. The period is widely remembered as the choir’s golden era.
Following the death of Mak’Okeyo in 2004, Pius Obunde directed the choir from 2005 to 2012. Since then, the choir has been guided by a team of experienced trainers, including Otieno, who was honoured by the Kenyan government in 2020 as a national music legend.
Community and National Impact
Other key figures include Augustine Cheruiyot, Ben Ajwala, Boniface Matheka, and Judy Buluma, the first female trainer in the choir’s history. Douglas Magaju also assisted the choir during his studies at Kenyatta University.
The ensemble has performed at major national events, including the state funeral of former President Mwai Kibaki, highlighting its reputation as a respected national choral group.
Despite its national recognition, the choir remains deeply rooted in its parish mission, serving communities in Kariobangi, Mathare and Korogocho.
Spiritual guidance from priests, including Fr. Mario, Fr. Paulino Mondo, Fr. Andrew Wanjohi and Fr. Jean Paul, has helped strengthen the choir’s faith foundation.
Administrative support from officials such as former Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi, Caesar Juma and Eliud Kiprop has also contributed to the choir's stability.
“Music in the church is not just performance. It is prayer, proclamation and praise,” Otieno says.