The father of the late Gengetone artiste Paul Koigi Mungai, popularly known as Shalkido, has opened up about how social media shaped his experience during his son’s most difficult moments.
Speaking from the family’s home in Juja on Saturday, October 11, 2025, Stephen Mungai revealed that he was compelled to buy his first smartphone after online reports surfaced about his son’s earlier suicide attempt. Concerned and curious about what was being said, he decided to purchase the phone so he could personally follow the discussions.
“People kept asking me questions about what was trending, yet I had no idea. So I decided to buy a phone to see for myself,” he explained.
Following Shalkido’s tragic death in a motorbike accident on October 6, 2025, Mungai said he received his son’s phone from a group of riders who delivered it to him. However, he has been unable to access its contents due to password restrictions.
The family has since announced that Shalkido will be laid to rest on Thursday, October 16, at his grandmother’s home in Murera, Ruiru. Ahead of the burial, a candlelight vigil will be held at Choma Zone in Ruiru, bringing together friends, fellow artistes, and fans to celebrate his life and musical legacy.
In the same interview, the family dismissed rumours circulating online that linked comedian Eric Omondi and media personality Oga Obinna to events surrounding the artiste’s death. Instead, they expressed gratitude to both for offering emotional and financial support during their mourning period.
“Obinna was a very close friend to Shalkido, and we are thankful for his support. We also appreciate Eric Omondi, even though I haven’t met him in person,” Mungai said.
Shalkido’s grandmother, who raised him, also thanked Kenyans for their compassion and urged the public to focus on celebrating the young musician’s legacy rather than spreading speculation.
A former member of the Gengetone group Sailors Gang, Shalkido rose to fame alongside Miracle Baby, Qoqosjuma, Lexxy Yung, and Masilver with hit songs such as “Wamlambez,” “Pekejeng,” and “Wainame.”
He had been admitted to the ICU at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital following severe injuries from the accident but sadly succumbed to his wounds on October 6 at around 6:30 p.m.
Shalkido’s story continues to resonate deeply across Kenya’s entertainment scene, serving as both a reminder of his musical influence and a call for compassion in times of tragedy.
