Shalkido’s dad reveals how son’s attempt to end his life led him to buy a phone
The father of the late Gengetone artiste Paul Koigi Mungai, popularly known as Shalkido, has revealed that he was compelled to buy his first smartphone after reports of his son’s previous suicide attempt went viral on social media.
Speaking when YouTuber 2mbili visited their Juja home on Saturday, October 11, 2025, the father, Stephen Mungai, said the move was driven by curiosity and concern after word began circulating online that his son had tried to take his own life.
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According to him, neighbours and friends kept approaching him with questions about the trending news, yet he had no idea what was being said. This pushed him to purchase a smartphone so that he could personally follow the discussions and understand what was happening.
“I also have a smartphone now. I bought it when Shalkido was trending online after attempting to take his own life. People kept asking me questions about what was being said, yet I had no idea, so I decided to buy the phone to see it for myself,” he shared.
Mungai also disclosed that after his son’s death, which occurred on Monday, October 6, 2025, in a motorbike accident, he was later handed Shalkido’s phone by a group of motorbike riders who brought it to him.
He explained that he has since kept the device but has been unable to access its contents because it requires passwords even after removing the SIM cards.
“After his death, some motorbike riders brought me his phone, and I still have it at home. I wanted to start using it, but when I tried, it kept asking for passwords even after removing the SIM cards. I was also told that the rider who delivered it did not know who had sent him,” he added.
His revelation comes just hours after the family of the late Wamlambez hitmaker announced that they had finalised burial arrangements.
The artiste will be laid to rest on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at his grandmother’s home in Murera, Ruiru.
The family also unveiled plans to hold a candlelight vigil at Choma Zone in Ruiru ahead of the burial.
The event is expected to bring together fellow artistes, friends, and fans who will gather to honour Shalkido’s memory and celebrate his musical journey.
“We had not been sure where to bury my son, but we have now discussed and agreed that we will lay him to rest here at his grandmother’s home in Murera. The burial will be on Thursday, October 16. We will also have a candle lighting event at Choma Zone in Ruiru, and all artistes will be there,” the father shared.
Social media talk
In the same interview, the family addressed ongoing social media conversations linking comedian Eric Omondi and media personality Oga Obinna to the events leading up to Shalkido’s death.
They dismissed the claims and instead expressed gratitude to both for standing with them and supporting the family during their most difficult moments.
“I have heard some people saying bad things about Eric Omondi and Oga Obinna, but I want them to know that Obinna was a very close friend to Shalkido, and I am grateful to him because I can already see he will continue standing with us. May God bless him. I have never met Eric Omondi in person, but I thank him for standing with our son,” the father added.
The late artiste’s grandmother, who raised him, also thanked Kenyans for their overwhelming support, urging the public to focus on celebrating Shalkido’s legacy rather than spreading baseless rumours.
“I thank God for all of you who stood with my grandchild. To those speaking badly about Eric Omondi and Obinna, I ask for forgiveness on their behalf. As for me and my household, we say may God bless them. They helped us, and we are grateful. Let people not speak evil; instead, let them thank God for those who supported our child,” the granny said.
Shalkido, a former member of the renowned Gengetone group Sailors Gang, rose to fame alongside Miracle Baby, Qoqosjuma, Lexxy Yung, and Masilver with hits such as Wamlambez, Pekejeng, and Wainame.
Before his death, he had been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, where doctors battled to save his life after he suffered internal bleeding and a broken leg from the accident.
His death was confirmed by family members through a video shared online, indicating that he succumbed to his injuries at around 6:30 p.m.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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