President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua have pledged to stand with the young family of late musician Ally B, two weeks after his untimely death.
The legendary musician, born Ali Mwakaribu, died on November 1.
DP Gachagua committed to supporting Ally B's family after hosting the deceased's wife and some family members at his official residence in Mombasa on Wednesday, November 15.
While comforting the family, the country's second-in-command eulogized the late artiste as an exceptional artiste who left an indelible mark on the music scene.
"Rising from a humble background, Ally B hit the national stage with his electrifying music, which defined him as an exceptionally talented individual," Gachagua said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Wednesday morning.
He also remembered Ally B for what he termed as unwavering support for the Kenya Kwanza Alliance during last year's election campaigns.
Gachagua also indicated that the President had pledged to help the family navigate through the challenges of losing their loved one.
"I also delivered President @WilliamsRuto's message of comfort as we continue to pray for Ally B's Soul to Rest in Eternal Peace. We will walk this life's journey with his young family," the DP added.
"The Creative Arts industry is central to the Ruto Administration as we seek to develop potential talent, not only for entertainment and educating, but also as a source of a dignified life for the artists and their families."
This morning at the Official Residence in Mombasa, I hosted the family of the late Musician Ali Mwakaribu Ally B, who passed on early this month to comfort and encourage them.
Rising from a humble background, Ally B hit the national stage with his electrying music, which… pic.twitter.com/8uvDRcJOSA— H.E. Rigathi Gachagua, EGH (@rigathi) November 15, 2023
The DP was accompanied by politician and musician Charles Njagua Kanyi, also known as Jaguar, and Embakasi West Member of Parliament George Theuri.
Ally B's death
Ally B, known for hits such as ‘Maria’ and ‘Bembea’, passed on at Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital.
According to his family, the Coast-based singer was rushed to the facility after he suddenly fell ill.
Besides music, Ally B had tried his hand at politics and vied for a Member of the County Assembly seat in Junda Ward in Kisauni, Mombasa County under a Jubilee party ticket in 2017. He, however, lost out to Musumba Raphael Bwire of the ODM Party.
He rejected the outcome of the poll as announced by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission insisting that he was rigged out.
The singer is also remembered for his central role in spearheading peace efforts in the coastal city, especially in Kisauni.
