By Wanjiru Boro,
Kikuyu benga musician and pioneering producer Albert Gacheru aka Gacheru Wamaitu of the Mariru fame is dead.
Gacheru died at the Kenyatta National Hospital on Monday night, April 5, his elder brother, Julius Kiarie confirmed to K24 Digital on Tuesday.
His brother said that he had been receiving treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome, a type of pneumonia.
The musician was born at Boiman, Gathanji in Nyandurua County.
Wamaitu started singing while in Class Five in 1974 but he composed his first song in 1977.
To date he has released over 188 songs, making him one of the most prolific Benga musicians in the country.
His is known for hits such as Mumunya, Mariru and Indo Ciakwa.
His brother eulogised him as a person who loved his family and encouraged people to embrace education.
