Tragedy struck Kenya’s music industry as Gengetone musician Shalkido lost his life following a serious motorcycle accident on Thika Road.
The heartbreaking news was first shared by comedian Oga Obinna, who had been updating the public on the artist’s worsening condition since the crash.
The accident took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 5, between Githurai and Carwash, just before reaching Roysambu. Emergency personnel discovered Shalkido severely injured by the roadside and immediately transported him to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
In a public update, Oga Obinna revealed that medical teams had pronounced Shalkido brain-dead. “He has internal bleeding in the brain, in a lot of places, and so it is also swollen, meaning that it is inoperable,” he said, citing the attending neurosurgeons. Obinna explained that although Shalkido’s left leg had also suffered serious injuries, the main concern was the extensive brain damage.
He added that doctors’ initial efforts were limited by the severity of the internal hemorrhaging.
Details shared by Obinna indicate that Shalkido had been riding a motorcycle toward Nairobi after performing at a venue in Thika.
“Brain dead” is a medical term indicating irreversible loss of all brain function, meaning the brain can no longer control essential body functions like breathing, heartbeat, or consciousness. Unlike a coma, where some brain activity and recovery are possible, brain death is legally and medically recognized as death, even if life support temporarily maintains the heart and lungs.
Shalkido was last spotted near Kenyatta University, reportedly waving goodbye before continuing on his route. Hours later, his family was notified of the accident.
His death has shocked Kenya’s entertainment community, with fans, fellow artists, and public figures expressing sorrow over the loss of a young talent whose career was gaining momentum.
Shalkido, whose real name was Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, was known for his work in Gengetone and Mugithi music and had recently opened up about his personal struggles, sparking both support and criticism online.
The accident also highlights ongoing road safety issues in Kenya, particularly on busy highways like Thika Road. Authorities have announced that further investigations will be conducted to establish the exact cause of the crash.