‘I was praying for a disease’ – King Kaka on near-death ordeal
By Valerian Khakayi, April 14, 2026Veteran rapper and storyteller Kennedy Ombima, famously known as King Kaka, has opened up about one of the darkest periods of his life, recalling a mysterious illness he battled about two to three years ago that nearly claimed his life.
Speaking during a candid conversation with media personality Oga Obinna on Monday night, April 13, 2026, King Kaka revealed the frustration of being seriously unwell while doctors struggled to find a diagnosis.
He says he used to pray for a disease so that doctors could treat it.
“There was a time I was praying for a disease, wacha nipatwe na kitu ndio waanze kutreat’,” King Kaka said.
“Everything was negative, I used to get doctors telling me’ tumetoka grafting and hauna cancer ‘, and I would get pissed because I just wanted a disease ndio tuanze kuitreat.”
Battle without answer
At the peak of his illness, King Kaka says his condition deteriorated rapidly. Despite numerous hospital visits and tests, nothing concrete was found, leaving him physically weak and emotionally drained.
He recalled moments of deep despair, even bargaining with God as he lay in bed.
“There was a time I bargained with God kwa my bed, I was like’ I know this is my time and am ready for it,'” he recalled.
Preparing for the worst
The rapper went on to say that the situation became so dire that he began preparing for death.
He admitted that he even misled his family so they could take him to the hospital, fearing his children would witness him being carried out in a body bag.
“Nilidanganya home ndio wanipeleke hospitali because I did not want my kids wanione nikitolewa na bodybag, because I knew that was what was coming next; I could not walk, I could not eat, I used to crawl to the washroom,” King Kaka added.
Upon being admitted, he contacted his lawyer to update his will, convinced that the end was near.
“I knew it was coming, and when I got to the hospital, I called my lawyer and told him we need to update the will,” he stated.
Physical toll
The CEO of Kaka Empire also described the physical toll the illness took on his body. He became extremely thin to the point that even sitting was painful.
“I remember when they used to take me to the hospital, I could not sit because I was so thin, ningekaa my bones could hurt me, they used to put a duvet on the back seat (of the car) and I would sleep there,” King Kaka recalled.
Second chance
Against all odds, the rapper eventually recovered, a moment he now describes as nothing short of a miracle.
“When I got healed, nikikula roundi people would tell me ‘God is great’,” he added.
“Watu wananiuliza siku hizi uko na furaha, na waambia ‘you guys did not know? mimi nilibargain kurudi hapa mahali niko and I’m healthy.”