The Kenyan music scene is mourning the loss of Kevin Mburu Kinyanju, popularly known as Shalkido, a former member of the celebrated Gengetone group Sailors Gang, who died following a devastating motorbike accident.
Shalkido passed away on the evening of Monday, October 6, 2025, while receiving treatment at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, where he had been admitted in critical condition. He was reported to have suffered internal bleeding in the brain and a broken leg after the early morning crash.
News of his death was confirmed by his family in an emotional video shared on TikTok. Standing beside Shalkido’s father, his cousin delivered the heartbreaking announcement, saying:
“We have just received a report from the doctor that Shalkido died at 6:30. It’s a sad evening. Please stand with this family.”
His sister later confirmed that the artiste’s body had been moved to the morgue. The tragedy came just hours after comedian and media personality Oga Obinna—who had visited Shalkido in the ICU—revealed that the singer’s condition was critical.
According to Obinna, the two had spent time together in Thika earlier that night, where Shalkido had performed before opting to ride his motorbike back to Nairobi. He was involved in the accident shortly afterward.
Shalkido rose to fame as part of Sailors Gang, the Gengetone group behind massive hits such as “Wamlambez” and “Wainame.” Known for his vibrant energy and lyrical flow, he was regarded as one of the genre’s early trailblazers.
As tributes pour in from fans and fellow artistes, Shalkido’s passing marks a heartbreaking moment for Kenya’s music industry — a young talent gone far too soon.
