NAIROBI, Kenya- The Kenyan music scene was struck by grief on the evening of October 6, 2025, as news broke that Gengetone artist Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, better known as Shalkido, had died following a devastating motorbike accident over the weekend.
The crash occurred early Sunday morning along the Thika-Nairobi highway, between Githurai and Carwash (just before Roysambu), when Shalkido—returning from a late performance in Thika—lost control of his motorcycle.
First responders found him gravely injured by the roadside and rushed him to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
According to medical staff, his injuries were catastrophic: he suffered internal bleeding in the brain, severe swelling, and trauma that doctors later judged to be irreversible.
In the hours that followed, he was declared brain dead. His left leg was also reported fractured.
At about 6:30 p.m., the family was informed that he had passed away. In a video circulated by relatives, his cousin stood beside Shalkido’s father as he delivered the heart-wrenching confirmation: “We have just received a report from the doctor that Shalkido died … a few minutes ago.”
Born into modest circumstances, Shalkido first gained attention as a member of Sailors Gang, one of Kenya’s early and influential Gengetone collectives.
His songs like Wamlambez, Wainame, and Pekejeng resonated with urban youth and helped define an emergent Kenyan sound.
After Sailors Gang disbanded, he attempted to reinvent himself musically—including dabbling in Mugithi—as he navigated challenges in sustaining his career amid financial and public pressures.
Notably, the very motorcycle that carried him to his demise had symbolic weight: weeks before the tragedy, Shalkido publicly appealed for assistance, citing financial strain. Supporters later gave him a bike to help him earn a living. Tragically, that same vehicle became part of the fatal accident.
In the wake of his death, tributes poured in from across Kenya’s entertainment world. Comedian Terence Creative mourned: “It is well, rest in power comrade, you were meant for greatness.”
Musician Bahati, who had been in talks with Shalkido about a studio collaboration, shared: “You had just talked to my management on our collabo … Rest well young King. Tutaonana baaadae.”
Artistes, fans, and media figures alike have expressed shock at the sudden loss of a young artist with promise and gratitude for his contributions.
Many are also using the moment to call attention to road safety, especially for motorcycle riders traveling during late hours.
Shalkido’s passing leaves a gap in Kenya’s evolving music landscape.
