ROSE MUHANDO WEDS KENYAN BISHOP

Legendary Tanzanian gospel singer Rose Muhando has officially entered a new chapter in her life after quietly getting married to Kenyan bishop and gospel minister Robert “Bob” Lumbasi.

The union, which was kept away from the public eye, came to light after Bishop Lumbasi openly revealed details of their relationship and marriage during a church service in Kenya, surprising congregants and fans across East Africa.

Addressing his congregation, Lumbasi made it clear that Muhando was no longer single, cautioning men against approaching her and confirming that all customary marriage rites had already been fulfilled.

“Men in this church should please not approach Rose. She is already taken. She is now a Luhya. It was very private. It is something that started a long time ago. The dowry has been paid. Everything is done,” he said.

He further disclosed that he travelled to Tanzania in 2023 to formalise the union through dowry payment, adding that the relationship had been nurtured quietly for years.

“I remember going to Tanzania to pay dowry in 2023, and they called me from State House and said it is Kenya marrying Tanzania. I love this woman. I respect this woman,” Lumbasi added.

At 49 years old, Muhando’s marriage marks a significant personal milestone. Born on July 29, 1976, in Kilosa, Morogoro, she was raised in a devout Muslim family and is the daughter of a well-known Sheikh in Tanzania. She converted to Christianity in 1989 after what she has described as a miraculous healing from a long-term illness.

Her life journey — from hardship to global gospel recognition — has inspired many across the region. Often referred to as the “Queen of Gospel Music” in East Africa, Muhando built her career from humble beginnings as a choir teacher in Dodoma before rising to continental fame.

Before her marriage, Muhando had publicly stated that she had never been married and was not in a hurry to do so unless she found a man who loved her according to biblical principles.

She previously spoke with pride about raising her three biological children as a single mother, noting that they reached university level without a father figure. In earlier testimonies, she revealed that her children were born during extremely difficult periods in her life, including times when she was living on the streets.

Despite those struggles, she described her journey as one guided by divine wisdom, perseverance, and hard work.

Bishop Lumbasi aged 56, is a Kenyan gospel artist, minister, and the presiding bishop of Life Source International Church. He is known for gospel songs in Swahili and Luhya, including Mtangoja Mno, Asante Kwa Wema, Utachipuka Tena, and Naona Ushindi.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from the African Theological Seminary in Kitale and a Master’s degree in Psychology from Daystar University. In addition to ministry, he offers counseling services focused on marriage and addiction and previously served in the Kenyan Police Force, rising to the rank of Chief Inspector.

According to reports, the wedding ceremony was attended by only a few close family members and friends, reflecting the couple’s preference for privacy. Photos later shared by relatives showed a simple event with traditional elements.

The announcement sparked widespread reactions online, with fans congratulating the couple and praising what many described as “God’s perfect timing.”

The "Nibebe" hit maker permanently relocated to Kenya from Tanzania around 2017 after a period of what he described as an "intense personal and professional challenges in Tanzania, including threats to her safety and struggles with powerful figures in the music and religious sectors."
Henceforth , Nairobi became her peaceful and secure haven - giving her an opportunity to strike a notable comeback after years off the limelight.

For now, both Muhando and Lumbasi have not disclosed further details about their union. However, their journey stands as a testament to the possibility of finding love even after years of uncertainty, proving that meaningful companionship can emerge at the most unexpected moments.