Habel Mwalumba Kifoto was a prominent figure in the Kenyan music scene for over 40 years, beginning his music career in the 1960s. Born in Taita District, Coast Province, he was a versatile musician who could sing lead and backup vocals, and play the keyboard, saxophone, rhythm, and solo guitars. He co-founded the famous Kenyan military band, the Maroon Commandos, in October 1970 at the 5th Kenya Rifles, Gilgil Barracks, and served as its pioneer leader, guiding the band until his retirement from the Kenya Army in 2009 as a Senior Sergeant. During his military service, he also worked as an accountant for regimental funds and a store keeper. Kifoto composed many of the band's major hits, including "Charonyi ni Wasi" (meaning "life is hard" in his native Taita language) and "Uvivu ni Mbaya," which became a wake-up call played on the state broadcaster. He was also an influential social commentator through his music and served as the chairman of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya (MCSK) from 2009 to 2011. Habel Kifoto passed away in Nairobi on July 31st, 2011, due to a heart attack.