Reuben Kigame is a widely respected Kenyan gospel musician, author, preacher and social activist whose music and writing have touched listeners across Kenya and beyond. Known for combining ministry, scholarship and creative arts, Kigame’s life story — from losing his sight as a child to building a long career in music and public engagement — is a testimony to resilience and purpose.
Reuben Kigame Biography
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Reuben Kigame |
| Born | 13 March 1966 |
| Age | 59 (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | East Bunyore, Vihiga County, Kenya |
| Parents | Richard and Susan Kigame |
| Education | Kibos School for the Blind; Salvation Army High School for the Blind; Kenyatta University (B.Ed); Moi University (MSc). |
| Tribe | Luhya (Banyore subgroup) |
| Spouse(s) | Mercy (first wife — passed away 2006), Julie Kigame (current) |
| Children | Shalom Wanze Orembo, Shekinah Waridi Kigame, Shema Wendo Kigame, Yeshua Wagasa Kigame |
| Residence | Eldoret, Kenya |
| Occupation | Gospel musician, author, broadcaster, producer, activist |
| Net worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early life and family background
Reuben Kigame was born on 13 March 1966 in East Bunyore, Vihiga County, and was the fifth of seven children of Richard and Susan Kigame. He lost his sight at the age of three because of cataracts — an experience that shaped his faith and determined his path into ministry, music and advocacy from an early age
Education and formation
Kigame attended Kibos School for the Blind in Kisumu and the Salvation Army High School for the Blind in Thika. He later pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Education degree from Kenyatta University and a Master of Science degree (reported by profiles and curriculum vitae summaries) from Moi University. These academic foundations combined with his music training to make him a distinctive voice in gospel music and Christian apologetics
Music, ministry and public life
Reuben Kigame’s career spans music production, performance, radio broadcasting, teaching and ministry. He founded Kigame Music Productions and Living Water Studios in Eldoret and led music teams such as SIFA Voices. Over the decades he has written, arranged and produced numerous albums and mentored younger gospel artists — earning awards and national recognition for his contributions to Kenyan Christian music and media.
Personal life — marriage, first wife and family
Kigame’s first wife, Mercy (often referenced as Mercy Wanderwa/Kigame in contemporary reports), tragically passed away in a road accident in September 2006. Her death was widely reported at the time and remains a defining and painful chapter in his personal story.
After a period of grieving and raising his children, Reuben later remarried and today lives with his family in Eldoret. He is married to Julie Kigame and together they continue family, ministry and music activities.
Children and close family
Reuben Kigame is father to four children: three daughters — Shalom Wanze Orembo, Shekinah Waridi Kigame and Shema Wendo Kigame — and one son, Yeshua Wagasa Kigame. His family is musical and active in church life; public posts and his official family pages show the children involved in music and ministry projects. He is also father-in-law to Collins Orembo.
Tribe and roots
Reuben hails from East Bunyore in Vihiga County, which places him within the broader Luhya community (Banyore subgroup) of western Kenya. His cultural roots and local upbringing have informed both the language and the rhythms that occasionally appear in his music and ministry.
Where he lives now
Kigame lives in Eldoret, Kenya — where he runs Kigame Music Productions and Living Water Studios and remains active in local church life and national conversations about faith, arts and civic responsibility.
Net worth
There is no reliable public figure for Reuben Kigame’s net worth; available profiles and official pages focus on his career, ministry and family rather than finances. Most public sources note that net worth figures are not disclosed.
Achievements & recognition
Across a long career, Kigame has been recognized for his service to gospel music, media and Christian education. He has released many albums, been a sought-after speaker and mentor, and his work has earned him public accolades and an enduring following in Kenya’s Christian music scene
FAQs
Q: Is Reuben Kigame blind?
A: Yes. He lost his sight at about age three due to cataracts and has been blind since childhood. His story of living and working as a blind musician and scholar is often highlighted in interviews.
Q: When did his first wife die and what happened?
A: Reuben’s first wife, Mercy, died in a road accident in early September 2006 — the event was reported widely in Kenyan media and remains a significant moment in his personal history.
Q: How many children does he have?
A: He has four children — three daughters (Shalom, Shekinah and Shema) and one son (Yeshua).
Q: What is Reuben Kigame’s tribe or ethnic background?
A: He comes from East Bunyore in Vihiga County and is part of the Luhya community (Banyore subgroup), a detail often used when describing his roots.
Q: What is his net worth?
A: There is no verified public figure for his net worth; available profiles do not disclose financial numbers.
Q: Has he won awards or received national recognition?
A: Yes — across his career Reuben has earned awards and national recognition for his music, media work and ministry (profiles and biographies list awards and honors).
Conclusion
Reuben Kigame’s life is a layered story of faith, creativity and resilience. From early challenges with sight loss to a lifetime spent writing, producing and mentoring in gospel music, he has become a respected voice in Kenyan Christian arts and public life. While private about financial matters, he is public about family, faith and service; the loss of his first wife Mercy in 2006 and his dedication to raising his children are important parts of that story. Whether encountered as a recording artist, a preacher or a mentor, Kigame’s voice continues to resonate with audiences who value music married to meaning.
