In the world of music, the rise and fall of talent can be painfully swift, leaving fans and loved ones in shock. This is the story of Shalkido—a rising star in the Gengetone scene whose journey ended abruptly with a horrifying accident.
Shalkido, known by his birth name Kelvin Mburu Kinyanjui, passed away due to injuries he suffered in a devastating crash on Thika Road—a heartbreaking development that has reverberated throughout Kenya's entertainment industry.
This tragic news first emerged from comedian and YouTuber OgaObinna, who had been closely monitoring the artist’s severe condition since the accident, and who had also been pivotal in efforts to breathe new life into Shalkido's music career, which had stumbled in recent times.
The accident took place in the early hours of Sunday, October 5, somewhere between Githurai and Carwash, just before reaching Roysambu. Shalkido had just finished his night engagements in Thika and was on his way home.
When first responders arrived, they discovered Shalkido critically injured on the side of the road. He was quickly transported to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) where he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Eyewitnesses last saw Shalkido around Kenyatta University; he was reportedly waving goodbye to friends after fueling his motorcycle with help from Obinna and his team, before parting ways for the journey home. It was only hours later that his family was notified about the accident, and the news began to spread.
As days passed, fans, fellow musicians, and loved ones held their breath, hoping for positive news. However, doctors at KUTRRH confirmed the devastating news that Shalkido had been declared 'brain dead.' This medical term indicates that the brain has ceased sending essential signals needed for functions such as breathing and heart regulation.
In contrast to a coma, where there is some remaining brain activity and a chance for recovery, brain death is deemed irreversible under both legal and medical standards, even if life-supporting machines continue to function temporarily.
As this distressing situation unfolded, OgaObinna recounted the numerous challenges faced by Shalkido’s family in obtaining timely information and securing permission for a transfer to another facility. He described their attempt to navigate the hospital’s bureaucracy as frustratingly convoluted, saying, "Every time we sought updates, we were told to wait for a nurse or a doctor, only to be given another bureaucratic hurdle to jump through, like needing a bed in another hospital before we could even think of moving him."
Obinna shared, "We were directed to the radiology department for a report, only to find that it was closed. It was disheartening because the hospital staff knew this yet still sent us there, leaving us feeling helpless and desperate for signs of hope."
Eventually, after persistent effort amidst the chaos, a compassionate doctor named Dr. Lillian took the time to explain Shalkido’s dire condition clearly to the family. Obinna praised Dr. Lillian's approach, stating, "After much back and forth, Dr. Lillian was kind and patient enough to clarify everything for us and even showed us the details on his phone."
Dr. Lillian revealed that Shalkido was suffering from severe internal bleeding in the brain, with multiple hemorrhagic areas that made surgical intervention unattainable. "The doctor explained that the brain was swollen and the bleeding was spread out in several regions, which made surgery impractical. They had started him on medication to manage his condition, with one leg also injured but stabilized," Obinna relayed.
The family was advised that the extent of the injuries was critical and that the coming days would be decisive for Shalkido's survival. He was placed under sedation as part of his treatment regimen.
The announcement of Shalkido’s death sent shockwaves across the Kenyan entertainment landscape.
Many colleagues, fans, and notable public figures expressed their sorrow over the loss of a young talent whose career trajectory had appeared promising. Musician Bahati opened up about their final conversation, highlighting that Shalkido had confided in him about feeling hopeful for the future.
Additionally, thousands of fans and fellow artists took to social media platforms to share tributes that celebrated Shalkido's humor, kindness, and extraordinary talent.
Shalkido was an established figure within the Gengetone genre and was part of the iconic 'Sailors Gang' rap group, which made a significant impact on Kenya’s music scene.
In recent times, the soft-spoken rapper attracted attention as he candidly shared his personal challenges and sought support to sustain both his music career and family following a downturn in his fortunes. While many sympathized, he also faced criticism from some peers in the industry, who accused him of poor financial management during his earlier success.
Despite the controversies surrounding his setbacks, Shalkido found a strong ally in OgaObinna, who devoted efforts to help him regain his former status and explore new avenues for income. This included fundraising efforts that ultimately led to the acquisition of the very motorcycle involved in the accident, thanks to a support campaign organized by Eric Omondi called Sisi kwa Sisi.
The motorbike symbolized a vital new chapter for the former Sailors Gang member, as he had planned to operate a boda boda (motorcycle taxi) business to make ends meet. In emotional videos shared just days before his accident, Shalkido expressed gratitude to Omondi, hopeful for the fresh start ahead, stating, "This marks a new beginning for me."
Mental health expert Bravin Yuri also weighed in on the tragedy, observing, "The passing of Gengetone artist Shalkido following a motorcycle accident raises uncomfortable questions about life and the unpredictability we face every day."
Following the news of Shalkido's brain injuries, several medical professionals criticized KUTRRH, accusing them of negligence and inadequate care in addressing his condition promptly. Dr. Waithera Wambugu expressed her concerns on social media, stating, "Hearing about Shalkido's situation is deeply saddening! Medical professionals, especially surgeons, should take decisive action in the face of a brain injury. Procedures such as craniotomy for epidural hematomas or burr holes for subdural hematomas must be executed! For a Level 6 hospital to exhibit such unprofessionalism is disheartening; the doctors' negligence is inexcusable!"
Sailors Gang, which once dominated music charts and airwaves in 2018-2019 with hits like ‘Wamlambez’ and ‘Wainame,’ saw its members follow various solo career paths after the group disbanded.
