Kenyan benga musician John DeMathew dies at 52

According to Thika police commander Elenah Wamuyu, DeMathew's car hit a lorry near Blue Post Hotel. He was then rushed to Thika Nursing Home where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

DeMathew will be remembered for releasing more than 50 albums and for his role as the chairperson of the Talented Musicians and Composers Savings Credit Cooperative Society in Kenya's Central Province.

News of DeMathew 's death sparked an outpouring of grief from politicians and music industry stakeholders.

"I have received with utter shock and deep sorrow the passing on of my friend, my brother and my comrade John DeMathew," Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria said. "John was not an artist. I have always referred to him as a modern Kikuyu prophet (mũnabii) alongside the late Joseph Kamaru and Muigai Wa Njoroge."

Gatanga MP Nduati Ngugi said: "DeMathew had put our constituency on the world map due to his popularity in the music industry. He was among the pioneer Agikuyu musicians who, to some extent, dictated the political direction and it's sad to have lost him through the tragic accident."

Kenyan musician-turned-politician Jaguar said: "While growing up, I listened to John DeMathew. His music inspired me greatly to become the musician I am today. I am deeply saddened by his untimely demise following a tragic road accident. May his soul rest well in eternal peace."

DeMathew's professional music career began in 1986 with the benga style. Some of his hit songs include 'Njata Yakwa', 'Kireke Tuturanie', 'Arume Kwi Na Mbu', 'Nengereria Kane', 'Meme Mene Tekeli', 'Mwihuguro' and 'Pin Number'.