Benachi opens up on how Kaberere’s death plunged him into depression
By Valerian Khakayi, October 1, 2025US-based Kenyan gospel musician Benson Ongachi, widely known by his stage name Benachi, has opened up about the pain he went through following the death of his mentor, the late gospel singer Peter Kaberere.
Speaking during a candid interview with Alex Mwakideu in an episode aired on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, about the difficult period, Benachi said losing Kaberere was the lowest moment of his life.
The Mwanake hitmaker added that although Kaberere’s death was deeply hurtful, it also marked the beginning of a new chapter in his music career.
“My lowest moment was when Kaberere passed. It was my lowest moment, and also my blessing started from there. It was really hurtful to lose Kaberere; he was my mentor, “Benachi opened up.
The singer further recalled how critics accused him of taking advantage of the tragedy.
“It was my lowest because some people used to say different things; they were saying I was riding on his death, which really hurt,” he added.
Depression
He went on to admit that the tragedy pushed him into depression.
Benachi revealed that Kaberere died in 2014, and the following year, he left Kenya for the United States, where he later met his wife.
He said his wife witnessed his struggles, including a period when he battled depression after Kaberere’s death, at a time when a lot was going on in his life.
“Kaberere died in 2014. I left in 2015, and I met my wife. She saw that side of me. There was a time I had depression. I just left Kenya and am in the States. Kaberere just passed; there are a lot of things going on,” he revealed.
When asked how he dealt with depression, he said that he often turned to prayer and fasting, sometimes going for 72 hours without food or water.
“Prayer and fasting, I used to fast three days dry, not even drinking water,” Benachi said.
He added that he did not know how to handle some things at the time, admitting that he was young, naïve, and overwhelmed by mixed emotions after the sudden loss.
“I did not know how to deal with some things, I was naive, young, and it happened abruptly. I had mixed emotions. I did not know how to deal with it,” he added.
Despite the painful experience, Benachi credits Kaberere for shaping his journey in gospel music and continues to honour his legacy through his work.