Peace has every reason to praise

Peace Mulu almost died of TB and friends abandoned her when she was on the verge of death. Then, she miraculously got healed. This is what prompted her to compose the popular hit Ninayo Sababu and Ombea Adui Yako, writes CARO NYANGA

Share with us about your musical journey.

Music has always been a big part of me ever since I was a child. I used to sing in Sunday school and as I got older, joined the choir and that is I where I discovered my talent.

After high school, I started composing songs, which I would perform in church and at various functions.

What inspires the theme of your songs?

My personal life experiences.

I composed Ombea Adui Yako and Ninayo Sababu after suffering tuberculosis for two years — from 1995 to 1996.

It was not easy. TB was considered a curse because it was associated with HIV and Aids. Some friends and close relatives avoided me like plague.

The only person who chose to stay by my side was my elder sister, whom I lived with in Nairobi’s Huruma estate. Here, poverty was the order of the day. The only valuables we possessed were a tiny mattress, stove and a few worn-out utensils.

The episode with TB seems to have taken a toll on you?

Yes, it was terrible. It was my faith in God that saw me through this difficult time.

Even with the many injections for nine months, I was determined to live. Not even the discouraging reports from the doctors that I had a week to live could bring me down.

My lungs were damaged and I was not allowed to have any more X-rays.

But being a woman of faith, it was the choice between the doctor’s report or God’s. I chose the latter, which says that I shall not die but live to tell what God has done — Psalms 118-17.

So how did you receive your miraculous healing?

One day, I was from hospital and was feeling weak. That night, I kept reciting the verse Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Amazingly at midnight, I woke up suddenly and started singing praises to God despite my unending cough.

At some point, my sister asked me if I was okay and advised me to keep it down.

I went on praising God as I sweated all through the night. Then suddenly, something like a burning sensation consumed my body. It was then that I received my healing.

But that was not enough. I had to go back to the hospital to confirm this news.

However, my efforts to convince the doctor to have me take an X-ray fell on deaf ears until I agreed to sign a consent form.

To the doctor’s dismay, the results were negative for TB.

My lungs were in good shape and the cough was gone. The doctor was so shocked; he later gave his life to Christ.

Sounds like fiction…

It was real! Since that day, I have never fallen sick.

The healing is what prompted me to compose Ninayo Sababu and Ombea Adui Yako, testimonies of what God can do.

I also started my ministry of healing the sick.

What is it like being a singer and a preacher?

It has been rewarding but challenging. Unlike other preachers I always avoid asking people for money to receive their healing.

This has not gone down well with some preachers, but the truth is that Jesus healed the sick and prayed for the needy for free.

Tell us about your family.

My father is called Joseph Mulu Maithya and my mother Beatrice Mumbe. They hail from Gai Village, in Mwingi District.

I am the fourth born in a family of eight children. Growing up, poverty was the order of the day and getting a meal was as difficult as acquiring a visa to the US.

I recall sometime in 1988 when I went without food for three days. It was water that kept us going.

I also walked to school barefoot since my parents could not afford shoes and uniform. But despite this, I never gave up.

Aside from music and ministry what else do you do?

I am a committed wife to James Mulei, a journalist.

I manage a ministry with a team and our task is to preach the gospel.

This initiative has seen us tour churches in Congo, Malawi, Botswana, Mozambique and Zambia.