Celebrated Kikuyu gospel musician Philip Kimani Abba has left fans stunned after turning down a Sh1 million cash prize he was set to receive from an online contest organized by Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia.
The MP had launched the public poll to recognize and reward influential Kenyan content creators and artists, inviting his followers to vote for their favourite personalities.
Kimani Abba emerged as the top choice in the contest but made the unexpected decision to withdraw from receiving the prize.
In a gracious statement addressed to the MP, Kimani Abba expressed heartfelt appreciation but clarified his reason for declining the reward.
“Jello Mhesh, I really thank God for you and your team. The survey you carried out a few months ago, in which I was rated among those doing well in gospel ministry through music, was a great morale booster for me,” said the gospel star.
He added: “I have come to understand that our fans not only want good music but also value the character of the artist. The votes I received were more than enough appreciation. Therefore, I do not wish to continue with the contest. To all my fans who voted so zealously, thank you. I wish the next winner all the best.”
However, MP Kururia did not take the rejection lightly. In a Facebook post, he appeared to downplay Kimani Abba’s decision and expressed frustration with the outcome.
“I agree with you, the category we chose is wrong. The One Million support needs to go to a deserving needy person,” he posted, seemingly criticizing the artist’s stance.
In a surprising move, the MP also refused to award the runners-up, deviating from his earlier approach in which comedian Dada Sarah and content creator Henry Desagu each received Sh1 million in previous editions of the initiative.
Philip Kimani Abba, known for gospel hits such as “Amukira Igongona Ria Ngoro Yakwa,” “Abba,” “Ni Ngutoria,” and “Korwo Ndarega Uhonokio,” has been widely praised for his principled decision, with many fans applauding his focus on integrity and humility over financial reward.
