Tragic Loss: Gengetone Star Shalkido Passes Away Following Devastating Road Accident
In an incredibly heartbreaking turn of events, Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, known to his fans as Shalkido, has sadly passed away after being involved in a catastrophic road accident on Thika Road this past Sunday. The young Gengetone artist succumbed to his injuries while undergoing medical care at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) on October 5.
The accident took place just before Roysambu, between Githurai and Carwash, where Shalkido faced fatal injuries. After being declared brain-dead, his family and fans have been mourning the tragic loss of a vibrant talent in the music industry. The confirmation of his passing came from fellow entertainer, comedian Oga Obinna, who had been vigilantly monitoring Shalkido's state since the shocking incident.
When the first responders arrived at the scene shortly after the crash, they found Shalkido lying alone, suffering from severe wounds. These responders quickly provided first aid before transporting him to the hospital, where he would be placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in dire condition. It’s worth noting that the accident occurred in the early morning hours, reportedly when traffic was minimal.
"There were no witnesses at the time of the accident," explained one of the responders. "It was actually motorcycle riders who discovered him on the ground. They stopped to assist and called for help, and we received the dispatch at around 4:42 AM.”
In a poignant update shared on social media, Obinna revealed that confirming Shalkido's well-being was a challenge initially; however, he eventually received grim news from the medical team regarding Shalkido’s condition.
“Medical professionals informed us he had extensive internal bleeding in the brain. It was evident that the situation was grave, as the swelling made surgical intervention impossible. The neurosurgeon assessed him and indicated there was little they could do at this time,” he explained with evident sorrow.
Obinna recounted how surreal it felt, especially since he had spent time with Shalkido just before the accident took place. He took a moment to express gratitude towards the first responders for their quick reactions and also issued a caution to all drivers.
"Please, we need to be more careful on the roads, particularly late at night when visibility is severely reduced," he urged.
The untimely demise of Shalkido represents yet another poignant loss for Kenya’s entertainment fraternity. Earlier this year, the comedy realm also mourned the passing of Zakaria Kariuki, widely adored as KK Mwenyewe, notorious for his impressions of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Sadly, those who knew KK Mwenyewe shared that he had died following a brief illness at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah was among the first to pay his respects to the beloved comedian, highlighting the significance of KK’s contributions to society through laughter and insightful commentary. He said, "I am profoundly saddened by the news of Zakaria Kariuki’s passing, a gifted young man whose comedic voice resonated deeply with today’s youth. Through humor, he brought communities together and fostered understanding. He was not simply a comedian but a fearless observer of our times."
Senator Omtatah further articulated the sentiment that not only has Kenya lost a talented comedian, but it has also lost a courageous patriot, expressing heartfelt condolences to KK’s family and friends. He concluded, "May his soul find peace, and may his legacy serve as a beacon of inspiration for creativity and bravery among those who remain."
Such losses remind us of life's fragility and the profound impact individuals can have on our communities, both through art and personal connections. Feel free to share your thoughts on these tragic events and how they resonate with you—do you see a change needed in road safety, or perhaps in how we support our artists?
