Ndakhulonda by Gloria Muliro Ft Pst Timothy Kitui is a song of unwavering devotion to God for His love in atoning for our sins. The song adopts the hymnal arrangement of the hymn Liko Lango.
In the song, different circumstances are presented, including earthly gain, troubles, and challenges, unto which the song offers the believer’s reaponse: allegiance unquestioned unto Christ. He paid a hefty price for our salvation, and availed grace for us to conquer every day. He is worthy of our devotion.
Song factsheet
| Song title | Ndakhulonda |
| Artist | Gloria Muliro, Pst. Timothy Kitui |
| Original language | Luhya (Western Kenya) |
| Song genre | Gospel praise |
| Song duration | 5:33 |
| Song key | C |
Song review
Main themes
Ndakhulonda by Gloria Muliro ft. Pst. Timothy Kitui is built on the following themes:
- Christ at the center
- Devotion to Christ
- Life with eternity in mind
- Christ the refuge in times of distress
- Living by faith
Scriptural references
Christ at the center
The song kicks off with a highlight of the person of Christ—as the lamb of God who paid the ultimate price for the atonement of an undeserving people. He overcame sin and the grave by laying down His life, despite being equal with God, and more so, despite us being His enemies. As such, He is the only one worthy of our devotion. This sets a precedence for the rest of the song.
Philippians 2:6-8 KJV
[6] who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
[7] but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
[8] and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Devotion to Christ
The chorus submits the main response to Christ’s love: I will follow You. This is the ultimate response in love to Christ. Following Him entails living by His example, as Peter remarks, that we are to follow in His steps—in how He obeyed The Father’s commands, endured persecution and how He loved us. Following Christ comes at the cost of carrying one’s cross by denying oneself for Christ.
1 Peter 2:21 KJV
[21] For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
John 14:15 KJV
[15] If ye love me, keep my commandments.
Mark 8:34 KJV
[34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
The line on the chorus, ‘LwAbandi nibakhulekha (Though others may leave You) opens up to possible misinterpretation that Christ is dependent on our following. While it may have been intended to show unwavering devotion, it takes away focus to the actions of others in deserting Christ. We do not follow Christ motivated by others’ denial of Him, but we are rather drawn to Christ by His grace through faith alone.
Eternity in mind
Believing and following Christ comes with the promise of eternal life. Having sight of eternal life gives believers hope to endure affliction, and helps keep clear of greed and lust which often fuel the pursuit of eartly things.
Colossians 3:1-2 KJV
[1] If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
[2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.
Christ the refuge in times of distress
Times of trouble will come. Our response to these troubles should be rejoicing, in knowing that God is at work refining our faith. And when overwhelmed, we can always run to Him and hide in Him.
Psalm 46:1 KJV
[1] God is our refuge and strength, A very present help in trouble.
Romans 5:3 KJV
[3] And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;
[4] and patience, experience; and experience, hope:
[5] and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.
Hebrews 12:2 KJV
[2] looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Living by faith
Faith is one of the core matters in the Christian walk of life. We cannot please God without faith. The gift of salvation comes to us through faith. When the enemy sets in with trials and tribulations, faith in the Word of God helps defend against his advances.
Ephesians 6:16 KJV
[16] above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.
Song lyrics
Did you know you could play and listen to the song while you follow through the lyrics?
Yesu Kristo Mwami wefwe
Jesus Christ our Lord
Yarumwa kwhiki hasi
He was sent to come down
Yetsa khukhufwila bhosi
He came to die for us all
Sikila obwoni bwefwe
Because of our sin
(Occurs 2 times)
Ndakhulonda yiwe Yesu
I will follow You, Jesus
Nokhumenya bulai
I will live well
'LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave You
Ise sindakhulekha
I will abide
(Occurs 2 times)
Shingairwanga vutugi, Vutugi vwomkivara
I do not desire earthly reign
Mbeye novutugi vwivwe
I live under His reign
Vwemiandu jia Nyasaye
I walk in His abundance
Shingairwanga vutugi, Vutugi vwomikara
I do not desire earthly reign
Mbeye novutugi vwivwe
I live under His reign
Vwemiandu jia Nyasaye
I walk in His abundance
Ndakhulonda yiwe Yesu
I will follow You, Jesus
Nokhumenya bulai
I will live well
LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave you
LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave You
Ise sindakhulekha
I will abide
(Occurs 2 times)
Inyinga Iwa ndambitsangwa
In the day I'm troubled
Nzilukhila khuiwe
I run to You
Kata esibi nisiola
When hardship comes
Ise nzilukhila khuiwe
I run to You
(Occurs 2 times)
Ndakhulonda yiwe Yesu
I will follow You, Jesus
Nokhumenya bulai
I will live well
LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave you
Ise sindakhulekha
I will abide
(Occurs 2 times)
Wikudziri korogendo
Endure the journey
Wiviki Mwisuvira
Stay grounded in faith
Rwa kukiri hasi hano
While we are still down here
Suvira Ku Nyasaye
Have faith in God
(Occurs 2 times)
Ndakhulonda yiwe Yesu
I will follow You, Jesus
Nokhumenya bulai
I will live well
LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave you
Ise sindakhulekha
I will abide
(Occurs 2 times)
Newefwile khuluchendo
Endure the journey
Webikhe lisubila
Put on the garment of faith
'Lwa osili hasi hano
While you are still down here
Subila khuNyasaye
Have faith in God
(Occurs 2 times)
Ndakhulonda yiwe Yesu
I will follow You, Jesus
Nokhumenya bulai
I will live well
LwAbandi nibakhulekha
Though others may leave you
Ise sindakhulekha
I will abide
(Occurs 2 times)
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Audience
Ndakhulonda is a good fit for personal edification and congregational worship, not only for Luhya natives, but anyone who appreciates gospel praise in the African language.
Have you listened to the song yet? Let us know what you think of it.
[Cover image credits: Facebook/Gloria Muliro]