Shalkido’s father, Stephen Mungai, has voiced disappointment with musician Bahati’s public response to his son’s death, saying it did little to console the grieving family.
In a YouTube interview on Wednesday, October 9, Mungai faulted Bahati for posting screenshots of private conversations with the late Gengetone artist. “That does not help us in any way. I don’t even know what to say,” he stated.
Bahati had mourned Shalkido online following his death in a road accident. His post included screenshots showing Shalkido asking for a music collaboration, but there was no visible reply. Bahati claimed his management had already spoken to Shalkido and that they had planned to enter the studio. However, many social media users and the family viewed the gesture as insensitive and attention-seeking.
Mungai described the loss as devastating, noting that Shalkido was his only child. “I have no other child. Just imagine the pain. Even his grandmother is unwell. She was the one who woke me with the news,” he said.
He added that burial arrangements were still uncertain. Mungai revealed that he had been estranged from Shalkido’s mother for years, which has complicated plans.
Shalkido, who gained fame as a member of the Gengetone group Sailors Gang, died on Sunday after a hit-and-run accident. He was rushed to Kenyatta University Hospital, where he was declared brain dead before later succumbing to his injuries.
Medical reports indicated he sustained severe head injuries, internal bleeding, and multiple fractures.
The sudden loss has left his family, fans, and fellow artists mourning a promising young talent whose career was cut short abruptly.
By Nairobi