Reuben Kigame Biography: A Comprehensive Biography

Reuben Kigame Early Life and Background

Today let’s talk about Reuben Kigame Biography: Reuben Kigame was born on March 13, 1966, in Bunyore, Vihiga County, Kenya. His life story is one of remarkable resilience and determination, overcoming significant challenges to become one of Kenya’s most influential figures across multiple fields.

At the tender age of three, Reuben lost his eyesight due to a severe illness. This early challenge would have deterred many, but for young Reuben, it became the foundation upon which he would build an extraordinary life of service, creativity, and leadership.

Growing up in rural Kenya during the 1960s and 1970s, Reuben faced numerous obstacles that were compounded by his visual impairment. However, his family’s support and his own unwavering determination ensured that his disability would never define his limitations, but rather inspire his achievements.

Reuben Kigame Education and Academic Excellence

Despite the challenges posed by his blindness, Reuben pursued education with exceptional dedication. He attended Kibos School for the Blind, followed by Thika High School for the Blind, institutions that specialized in providing quality education to visually impaired students.

His academic journey continued at the university level, where he truly excelled. Reuben graduated from Kenyatta University with a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) degree in History, Philosophy and Religious Studies. Not content with undergraduate studies, he pursued further education and attained a Master of Science (MSc) in Journalism and Media Studies from Moi University.

His academic achievements are particularly remarkable considering he worked through the difficulties of life in rural Kenya to graduate with honours. His educational background would later prove instrumental in his multifaceted career as an educator, journalist, and social commentator.

Reuben Kigame Musical Career and Achievements

Early Musical Beginnings

Reuben began his recording career in 1987, marking the start of what would become one of Kenya’s most prolific and influential gospel music careers. His entry into music was not merely artistic expression but a calling to serve God and inspire others through song.

Reuben Kigame Prolific Recording Career

Over his career spanning more than three decades, Reuben has produced 29 albums, making him one of Kenya’s most prolific gospel recording artists. His most recent achievement was releasing his thirtieth music album, “Asante,” in April 2024, demonstrating his continued creativity and relevance in the gospel music scene.

His music, particularly in the gospel genre, has had a transformative impact on Kenya’s Christian community, with songs that inspire hope, faith, and social consciousness. His compositions often blend traditional African musical elements with contemporary gospel styles, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences.

Reuben Kigame Musical Style and Impact

Reuben’s music is characterized by its deep spiritual content, social commentary, and inspirational messages. His songs often address themes of faith, hope, social justice, and overcoming adversity. As someone who has personally overcome significant challenges, his music carries authentic messages of triumph over adversity that resonate deeply with listeners.

He is recognized as both a gospel and country musician, showcasing his versatility and ability to work across different musical genres while maintaining his core message of faith and inspiration.

Reuben Kigame Multi-Disciplinary Career

Teaching and Education

With his background in education, Reuben has been involved in teaching and educational activities throughout his career. He is recognized as a Christian teacher and apologist, using his platform to educate and inspire others both through formal and informal educational settings.

Journalism and Media

Reuben is also a journalist and media personality, utilizing his advanced education in journalism and media studies to contribute to public discourse. He is known as a religious broadcaster, using various media platforms to reach wider audiences with his messages of faith and social consciousness.

Scholarship and Writing

As a scholar, Reuben has contributed to academic discourse, particularly in areas relating to Christianity, theology, and African studies. His most recent book, “Essays in African Christianity and Theology,” is an anthology that draws from his scholarly and artistic experiences to define Christianity as a global religion that was present in Africa before European colonizers arrived.

Reuben Kigame Political Activism and Leadership

Early Political Involvement

Reuben takes pride in what he says was his role in the repealing of Section 2A of Kenya’s previous constitution, heralding multiparty politics in Kenya. This involvement demonstrates his long-standing commitment to democratic governance and political reform in Kenya.

Presidential Campaigns

Reuben has made multiple attempts to run for the presidency of Kenya, demonstrating his commitment to national leadership and political change. In 2013, he emerged fourth out of six candidates in the Vihiga constituency, showing his political viability at the local level.

During his 2022 presidential campaign, he argued that his blindness would guard him against temptations to enrich himself through corruption, presenting his disability as a unique qualification for honest leadership.

Reuben Kigame 2027 Presidential Ambitions

Most recently, on August 20, 2025, activist and politician Reuben Kigame declared his interest to unseat President William Ruto in the 2027 General Election. However, his political activities have faced challenges, as police barred him from holding a rally and stopped him from holding a planned rally in Kenyatta market, Nairobi, where he intended to unveil his candidature for the presidency.

Reuben Kigame Political Philosophy

Reuben has been involved in the fight for character-driven leadership, constitutional democracy and people-centred economic development in Kenya and around Africa. His political activism is grounded in his Christian faith and his commitment to social justice and good governance.

Reuben Kigame Advocacy and Social Activism

Disability Rights Advocacy

Reuben is an advocate for the rights of people living with disabilities. His personal experience with blindness has made him a powerful voice for disability inclusion and rights in Kenya and beyond.

Challenges and Discrimination

Despite his achievements, Reuben has shared untold stories of discrimination by employers, church leaders and politicians, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by people with disabilities even when they achieve significant success.

Social Justice Advocacy

As a social activist, his life and work has touched the hearts of millions in Africa and other continents. His advocacy extends beyond disability rights to encompass broader issues of social justice, good governance, and economic development.

Reuben Kigame Personal Life and Character

Faith and Spirituality

Reuben’s Christian faith is central to his identity, as he states: “I love singing for the Lord because of the love He has bestowed upon me”. His deep spirituality permeates all aspects of his work, from his music to his political activism.

Inspirational Speaking

Beyond his other roles, Reuben is also an inspirational speaker, using his life story and experiences to motivate and encourage others facing challenges.

Recognition and Awards

Reuben is an award-winning Gospel music artiste, who was at one time feted by former President Mwai Kibaki, demonstrating the national recognition he has received for his contributions to Kenya’s cultural and social landscape.

Reuben Kigame Legacy and Impact

Household Name Status

Reuben Kigame is a household name in Kenya because of his interdisciplinary reputation as a scholar, author, theologian, well-known gospel and country musician, religious broadcaster, and political activist. His multifaceted career has made him one of Kenya’s most recognizable public figures.

Breaking Barriers

Reuben’s life and career have consistently challenged stereotypes and barriers faced by people with disabilities. His success across multiple fields demonstrates that disability need not limit one’s potential for achievement and contribution to society.

Influence on Gospel Music

His music has had a transformative impact on Kenya’s Christian community, influencing a generation of gospel musicians and worshippers. His integration of social consciousness with spiritual messages has helped define contemporary Kenyan gospel music.

Reuben Kigame Political and Social Impact

Through his political activism and social advocacy, Reuben has contributed to important conversations about governance, democracy, and social justice in Kenya. His unique perspective as a person with disabilities in positions of leadership has brought attention to issues of inclusion and representation.

Reuben Kigame Current Status and Future

As of 2025, Reuben Kigame remains active across all his fields of interest. He has publicly announced that he will not make the past mistake of running as an independent candidate, indicating his strategic approach to his 2027 presidential ambitions.

His continued production of music, with his latest album released in 2024, shows that his creative output remains strong. His ongoing political activities, despite facing challenges from authorities, demonstrate his unwavering commitment to his vision for Kenya’s leadership.

Conclusion

Reuben Kigame’s biography represents one of the most inspiring stories of triumph over adversity in contemporary Kenya. From losing his sight at age three to becoming a nationally recognized figure across multiple disciplines, his journey exemplifies the power of determination, faith, and service to others.

His multifaceted career as a musician, educator, journalist, scholar, political activist, and social advocate demonstrates that success need not be confined to a single field. His ability to excel across diverse areas while maintaining his core values and commitment to service makes him a unique figure in Kenyan public life.

Perhaps most importantly, Reuben Kigame has used his platform and success to advocate for others, particularly those with disabilities, and to promote his vision of a better Kenya characterized by good governance, social justice, and inclusive development.

His story continues to unfold, with his 2027 presidential ambitions representing the latest chapter in a remarkable life dedicated to service, creativity, and leadership. Regardless of political outcomes, Reuben Kigame’s legacy as an inspirational figure who refused to let disability define his limitations is already secure.

Through his music, writing, teaching, and activism, Reuben Kigame has touched millions of lives and contributed significantly to Kenya’s cultural, spiritual, and political landscape. His biography serves as a testament to the extraordinary achievements possible when talent, determination, and faith converge in service of others and in pursuit of a higher purpose.

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