Thousands of Kenyans, including celebrated entertainers, have died in road accidents, with the Thika Superhighway claiming several well-known lives.Built under President Mwai Kibaki, the highway transformed Kenya’s economy, but also witnessed deadly crashes Over the years, music icons have lost their lives on this road, leaving behind lasting legacies and grief among fans.
In 2024 alone, the country recorded 4,748 fatalities, a rise from the previous year. The Thika Superhighway, developed under President Mwai Kibaki, boosted Kenya’s economy by improving transport, linking markets, and driving urban growth. However, despite its benefits, the highway has also become a tragic site where many promising lives have been cut short.
Some of the Kenyan artistes who have died include: 1. John De’Mathew, John De’Mathew is considered a music great. In 2019, celebrated Benga artist John Ng’ang’a, popularly known as De’Mathew, died in a road accident on the Thika Superhighway near the Blue Post Hotel. Reports indicated that his vehicle rammed into a truck while he was driving home after attending a fundraiser.
His body was taken to Thika Nursing Home before being transferred to Kenyatta University Mortuary. De’Mathew, often hailed as the King of Kikuyu music, produced over 50 albums with songs rich in cultural and social messages.
2. Lady S ;Lady S died in a road accident. The late Kenyan rapper Sharon Wangwe, popularly known as Lady S, rose through determination to become one of the country’s most admired female artistes. Signed under Calif Records, she was celebrated for her lyrical prowess and influence among women in hip-hop. Tragically, her promising career was cut short in September 2007 when she died in a road accident along Thika Road.
3. Jimmy Wayuni;Jimmy Wayuni died in an accident. Renowned Kikuyu Benga musician Jimmy Wayuni Githinji lost his life in a road accident along the Thika Superhighway in Githurai, Nairobi. Authorities reported that his car collided with a lorry while he was driving toward the city at night in 2020.
He was rushed to St. Joseph Hospital in Githurai 45, where he was pronounced dead. His body was moved to Kenyatta University Funeral Home. Wayuni was celebrated for his timeless Kikuyu hits that dominated local radio and TV.
4. Shalkido Shalkido died along Thika Road. Shalkido tragically lost his life following a severe accident on Thika Road. The crash occurred early on Sunday, October 5, between Githurai and Carwash near Roysambu.
He was found critically injured by the roadside and rushed to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital, where he was admitted to the ICU. Despite efforts to save him, doctors later confirmed that Shalkido had been declared brain-dead, marking a heartbreaking end to his promising journey in music.
By Nairobi