Mukangala Hit Composer Gertrude Anyika Dies After Brave Cancer Fight

• Political pundit and blogger Mwalimu Amunga Akhanyalabandu confirmed Gertrude Anyika's death on Friday, December 15
• Gertrude Anyika is the prominent female voice in the Phonotex Success Band, founded by the late Jacob Luseno in 1965
• Among other songs by Phonotex Success Band are Injeti, Masiali, Cecilia, Regina, House Maid, Bushuma Bwa Malika, and Ingato

Dennis Lubanga, a Kenyan journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than 10 years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

Eldoret - Mukangala hit composer Gertrude Mwendo Anyika has passed away at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret after a months-long battle with cancer.

Political pundit and blogger Mwalimu Amunga Akhanyalabandu confirmed Anyika's death on Friday, December 15.

"Gertrude has been in the hospital for months battling cancer. Her huge bills totaled KSh 2.5 million, which the family could not pay. She was in a public ward at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret," Amunga posted on X.

Which role did Gertrude Anyika play in Phonotex Success Band

Anyika is the prominent female voice in the Phonotex Success Band, founded by the late Jacob Luseno in 1965.

She recorded many hit songs with Luseno. The most famous song is Mukangala and Amakuru, recorded in 1974.

Other songs included Injeti, Masiali, Cecilia, Regina, House Maid, Bushuma Bwa Malika, Ingato, and Linda, among others.

"Anyika's family appealed for help, but with little success. Most people with money who have danced to her songs and used them in their campaigns kept silent," Amunga added.

While mourning the late Anyika, Isaac Shivachi, a fan from Musingu in Kakamega county told TUKO.co.ke that the original producer of the band was Isaiah Mwinamo.

How was the Phonotex Success Band composed

Shivachi further said that the band was comprised of only two vocalists, Luseno and Anyika, and four guitarists playing solo, bass, and two rhythms.

"Luseno played the second rhythm. This is how Makuri and Cecilia became famous," said Shivachi.

Among the notable people who have mourned Anyika is Kakamega senator Boni Khalwale.

Taking to X, Khalwale posted:

"You are in my thoughts, and your family and friends are in my prayers. When I learn't that you were indisposed, I came to visit you in the ICU, but you were not there. Rest in peace, Queen of the Baluhyia music. Getty weruu, you were great!"

In a related video, TUKO.co.ke earlier reported that Jubilee Christian Church founder Bishop Allan Kiuna is back in the country after months in the United States, where he was seeking cancer treatment.

Bishop Allan Kiuna gives his testimony

The man of God was given a royal welcome, which also marked his 57th birthday, and he and his wife had dignitaries attend the thanksgiving service.

While saying hello to the congregants, Kiuna gave his testimony, in which he thanked God for healing him fully, as he is now cancer-free.

He also disclosed how much his treatment cost, leaving many celebrating God for the miracle upon their church leader.

"For the one year that I was in the US, my treatment cost 3 million dollars (KSh 460 million). And I did not remove one coin from my pocket because the God of heaven provided," he said.

Kiuna also prophesied that the country's economy would also prosper, saying that things that were on the news were only casting fear on people.