Darius Mbela, 1940-2007: The man who sang his way into parliament

Meria

Elder Lister
Staff member
He served as Wundanyi MP from 1988-2002. Described by former AG Amos Wako & fellow Alliance High School alumnus as "the only old boy who sang his way into parliament".


A music student of Prof. George Senoga-Zake (responsible for the arrangement of our national anthem), Darius Mbela gained national acclaim when as choirmaster of St. Stephen's Church he led his choir in a week-long vigil at State House as Mzee Jomo Kenyatta lay in state in 1978.

Mbela thereafter rushed his choir to Voice of Kenya studios to record a 12-song album, 'Tribute to Mzee'. He worked tirelessly composing songs during the mourning period that many wondered whether he had an album ready in the event of Mzee's passing. A testament to its quality.

Darius Mbela served in various Ministerial dockets including Agriculture & Lands. His legacy lives on in his composition 'Pokea Moyo Wangu', which you probably have heard sung in Catholic and Anglican requiem masses alike. A remarkable composer and one of our nation's finest.
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