Post-poll violence inspired musician

By Maureen Odiwuor

Mrs Elizabeth Kennedy, a Nigerian born singer, is singing for peace to help prevent a repeat of the 2007/2008 post election violence. The County Weekly paid a visit to Dominion Chapel in Kisumu and saw her perform.

Mrs Kennedy was in the country in 2007 and witnessed first hand the chaos. “It is painful that lives and property were lost,” she says.

I am a Kenyan by heart and through marriage, that is why I felt saddened by the post poll violence and decided to sing a song that will bring people together,” she says.

Mrs Kennedy is married to Pastor George Kennedy of Siaya County. She launched her ‘United we stand’ Album in November 2011.

“I preached forgiveness and reconciliation to people in Nyanza. I felt I needed a bigger platform to reach out to the entire country and realised music was the best channel,” Mrs Kennedy notes.

 Listening to one of her songs where she has collaborated with a Nigerian gospel singer, David Praise, one easily identifies the unique Nigerian accent.

During the interview, Mrs Kennedy reveals that she came to Kenya 13 years ago and fell in love not only with one of its sons, but also the country as a whole. She admits that she has never looked back and her life in Kenya has mostly been in Kisumu.

“If I fitted well in this country, why not appreciate those born and bred in the country as your brothers and sisters?” She asks.

In her music she pleads with people to embrace peace by loving one another.

Mrs Kennedy began singing while still in Primary school and she participated in several dancing and singing groups.

At Secondary school, her passion for music did not die as she joined the school choir.

“My wife has a passion for this country”, Shares Mr Kennedy.

 “She desires to reach and touch people globally with music of hope, unity and peace.” he adds.