Renowned Kalenjin gospel singer Emmy Kosgei has paid a moving tribute to the late Mama Zipporah Kosgey, describing her as a mother figure, mentor, visionary gospel minister, and one of the most influential people in her life and music career.

Mama Zipporah, affectionately known as Mama Zippy, passed away on June 13 in Nairobi after a long battle with cancer. She was the wife of former Cabinet Minister Henry Kosgey and will be laid to rest on Friday, June 19.

In a heartfelt tribute, Emmy recounted how her relationship with Mama Zippy began when she was only 20 years old.

"I had just turned 20 when she made a phone call to my father and told him, 'Emmy is now my daughter too.' From that moment, history was made," Emmy said.

For more than a decade, the gospel star said Mama Zippy played a pivotal role in shaping her character, faith, and music ministry.

"Mama Zippy was more than a mother—she was a mentor, a teacher, and a disciplinarian whose correction was always wrapped in love," she recalled.

Born in Pemwai, Baringo Central, before her family later settled in Eldama Ravine, Mama Zipporah met Henry Kosgey in Nairobi in 1972 while she was in college. The two married in 1974 and built a family and ministry that would impact countless lives.

Emmy revealed that Mama Zippy's passion for gospel music was unmatched. A gifted songwriter, she would often gather musicians in her guest room and guide them through the creative process until a song was completed.

Those sessions produced some of the most beloved Kalenjin gospel songs, including Otienting Jehovah, Olosun Jehovah, Mateka, No One Knows the Day, and Tenden Oret.

"She possessed an extraordinary musical ear and knew exactly how she wanted a song to sound and how its message should be expressed," Emmy said.

According to the singer, Mama Zippy's commitment to excellence extended beyond music. She invested heavily in nurturing talent, establishing a recording studio and mentoring young musicians and producers, including the late producer John Nyika, who later became one of the most respected names in gospel music production.

Through the Maximum Gospel Singers and Maximum Miracle Centre, Mama Zippy built a ministry that went beyond music.

"To her, it was never just a choir—it was family," Emmy noted, adding that Mama dedicated herself to mentoring, supporting, and uplifting every member.

Emmy also praised the unwavering support Mama Zippy received from her husband, Henry Kosgey, describing their marriage as a powerful example of love, honor, and mutual respect.

"Through their relationship, Mama taught me the true meaning of honor, respect, and love," she said.

She fondly recalled how the Kosgeys sponsored the launch of her first music video, Katau Banda, at Nairobi Cinema, with Henry Kosgey personally rallying leaders and friends to support the young artist.

As tributes continue to pour in from across the country, Emmy said Mama Zippy's greatest legacy lies not in the songs she wrote or the ministries she led, but in the countless lives she transformed.

"Mama did not simply sing songs or lead ministries—she built people, nurtured destinies, and transformed lives," Emmy said.

She concluded her tribute with a touching farewell:

"Thank you, Mama Zippy, for the love, the lessons, the opportunities, and the legacy. Your footprints remain deeply engraved in our hearts. Rest well, Mama. Your work is done. Your crown is secure."

The passing of Mama Zipporah Kosgey marks the end of an era for Kenya's gospel community, but those she mentored say her influence and legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.