Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, popularly known as Shalkido, a renowned Mugithi and Gengetone artist, was laid to rest yesterday in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
The burial ceremony took place in Matangi, Ruiru sub-county, and was attended by fans, fellow musicians, and members of the creative community.
Shalkido tragically passed away following a motorcycle accident along Thika Road on October 5. He was rushed to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) in critical condition, suffering from severe internal bleeding and a broken leg. Despite medical efforts, he was later declared brain-dead.
Before his untimely death, Shalkido had openly spoken about his financial hardships. He revealed that the disbandment of the popular music group Sailors Gang and a decline in performance opportunities had severely affected his livelihood.
His story moved a few fellow creatives—among them Eric Omondi, Terence Creative, and Oga Obinna—who stepped in to offer support.
Shalkido rose to fame as a member of Sailors Gang, a Gengetone group that took Kenya’s music scene by storm with viral anthems such as Wamlambez, Pekejeng, and Wainame. After parting ways with the group, he ventured into a solo career, experimenting with the Mugithi genre and releasing songs like Ngunde Ngurume and Matigio.
His passing marks a significant loss to Kenya’s music industry and the Gengetone movement he helped pioneer.