Uhuru, Ruto lead Kenyans in mourning benga star John DeMathew

By , K24 Digital
On Mon, 19 Aug, 2019 12:51 | < 1 min read
John DeMathew
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, have joined thousands of Kenyans who have condoled family and fans of musician John DeMathew who died in a road accident on August 18, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy, William Ruto, have joined thousands of Kenyans who have condoled family and fans of musician John DeMathew who died in a road accident on August 18, 2019. PHOTO | COURTESY

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and encouragement to the kin, friends and fans of Kikuyu Benga musician John Ng’ang’a popularly known as John DeMathew who died in a road crash on Sunday night.

In his condolence message, President Kenyatta said DeMathew was a gifted musician who not only used his talent to entertain but also mentor upcoming Kenyan musicians.

“As a nation, we were privileged to have had such a brilliant artiste who played a big role in promoting our African cultural heritage through his music. Indeed, we have lost an icon in the music industry. DeMathew championed and played a big role in preserving our cultural heritage,” President Kenyatta said.

DeMathew was a great composer of Kikuyu lyrics, which carried undertones of societal ills, including alcoholism and promoting peace and cohesion in society.

https://twitter.com/StateHouseKenya/status/1163345400864157696

Deputy President William Ruto also condoled with the family of the fallen benga star and lauded DeMathew's contribution in society.

https://twitter.com/WilliamsRuto/status/1163331466937479168

"DeMathew was a great composer of Kikuyu lyrics, which carried undertones of societal ills, including alcoholism and promoting peace and cohesion in society," said

DeMathew's untimely death hit his fans like a thunderbolt, with Kenyans from all walks of life thronging social media to mourn his passing.