Renowned Kenyan gospel DJ Fredrick Karumba, popularly known as DJ Krowbar, is grieving the loss of his wife Joyce Wanjiru Karumba, who passed away early on Monday, January 26, 2026, following complications related to a kidney transplant.
Joyce Wanjiru Karumba had been facing serious health challenges for several years. In 2022, she was diagnosed with acute kidney injury, a condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to function properly. Over time, her condition worsened, and she underwent dialysis as part of her treatment.
In 2025, she received a kidney transplant in hopes of restoring her health. Although initial recovery showed promise, she later developed complications — including an infection — that returned her to hospital care. Over recent weeks leading up to her death, her health deteriorated despite medical efforts.
The Karumba family confirmed that Joyce passed away at 3:00 a.m. on January 26, 2026, describing her as a woman of “remarkable courage and faith” throughout her lengthy health journey.
She is survived by her husband, DJ Krowbar, and their three children — Toria, Riri, and Imani. The family expressed profound grief and requested prayers, privacy, and respect from the public and media as they make funeral arrangements. Further details on burial plans are expected to be shared in due course.
In their official statement, family members emphasised Joyce’s strength and the faith she maintained even when faced with serious medical setbacks. They noted that while the loss is deeply painful, they are comforted by belief that she is “at peace,” and they asked well-wishers to keep the family in their thoughts during this difficult time.
During her illness, DJ Krowbar and Joyce had been open about the challenges of managing her condition. In previous years, Krowbar publicly appealed to fans and supporters for financial help to facilitate her kidney transplant and related medical care.
Joyce is remembered as a devoted wife, mother, and partner who stood alongside her husband through both joyful and challenging seasons of life. Her journey through illness and the family’s openness about their struggles touched many, creating a sense of shared empathy among those who followed their story.