Prominent Rwandan journalists KNC (Kakooza Nkuriza Charles) and Mutabaruka Angeli, during a recent broadcast on TV1, made an emotional appeal to gospel superstar Israel Mbonyi and other Christian artists to come to the aid of their fellow musician Theo Bosebabireba, whose wife, Marie Chantal Mushimyimana, is gravely ill and undergoing kidney dialysis.

KNC, who is the founder of TV1, Radio1, and the Gasogi United Football Club, expressed deep concern, saying: “Mbonyi, your colleague is in trouble. This is not about predicting anyone’s downfall; it’s about compassion. You can fill arenas like Intare and even a stadium, why not use that influence to organize a charity concert to help Theo Bosebabireba? His wife is on dialysis, and he needs our help.”

Angeli Mutabaruka added that Theo was once one of Rwanda’s biggest gospel figures, long before social media became popular.

“In camps, Burundi, …. people used to kneel when Theo arrived. Today, he needs help. Gospel artists should unite and show love to one of their own.”

Scovia Mutesi, widely known as Mama Urwagasabo, is a renowned Rwandan journalist and founder of the Mama Urwagasabo media platform. She was elected to lead the Rwanda Media Commission (RMC) in 2024.

In her statements, she emphasized that gospel singer Theo Bosebabireba is among those who have played a significant role in helping people heal through his music. She explained that his songs have helped many quit drugs, immorality, and other destructive behaviors, and those struggling with emotional pain.

Scovia further noted that several major television channels have been named after him, Bose Babireba, which can be translated to everyone is watching, as a testament to how his name and songs have positively impacted countless lives both in Rwanda and abroad.

The call for help follows Theo Bosebabireba’s emotional 11-minute video, posted on October 11, 2025, where he tearfully appealed for financial support to save his wife’s life. The video has already been viewed by over 100,000 people on his YouTube channel.

Theo revealed that his wife, Marie Chantal Mushimyimana, has been on dialysis since November 2024 after both her kidneys failed. Dialysis, a life-saving treatment that cleans the blood when the kidneys stop working, is performed on her three times a week, each session costing large sums of money.

He explained: “It’s been ten months now. I have no job, no concerts, and no business income. My wife undergoes dialysis three times every week, and we pay everything out of pocket. The monthly cost is about 1,500,000 Rwandan francs (around $1,100). Even when people send me small amounts, it’s not enough. I’m drowning in debt. Isn’t there anyone who can help me pay just two months of treatment? Without it, she could die.”

Theo also mentioned that although there were government discussions about including dialysis under Rwanda’s community health insurance (Mutuelle de Santé), the change has not yet been implemented.

“We were told that Mutuelle might start covering dialysis, but it hasn’t happened. We still pay everything ourselves,” he said.

KNC and Mutabaruka stressed that Theo, who spent years encouraging and uplifting others through gospel music, now deserves to be encouraged himself. They called on the Rwandan gospel community, especially influential figures like Israel Mbonyi, to act quickly and compassionately.

“Theo has blessed many through his songs,” KNC said. “Now it’s our turn to bless him. This is what true worship looks like, faith expressed through love and action.”

Theo concluded his appeal by thanking those who have already helped and asking for continued prayers. “Sometimes I feel hopeless, but I remember that God is still with us,” he said, referring to his song ‘Nta Joro Ridacya’ (No Night Without Dawn) as a reminder of faith during dark times.

Anyone willing to help Theo Bosebabireba and his wife can reach him directly at +250 788 626 978.

Theo revealed that his wife, Marie Chantal Mushimyimana, has been on dialysis since November 2024 after both her kidneys failed

Israel Mbonyi has been called to help Theo Bosebabireba.
Check out his latest song “Nta Joro Ridacya” on YouTube