Kenyan man who was set to marry singer Irene Robert breaks down events leading to her sudden death
A Kenyan man who was set to marry late Tanzanian gospel singer Irene Robert has come forward to share his account of the events leading up to her sudden death.
Identifying himself as Paul BMW Brian Mutenya Waboto, an East African promoter and CEO of the East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards, the man explained that he was Irene’s fiancé and that the two were already in the process of formalising their union, including the payment of dowry.
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“My name is Paul BMW Brian Mutenye Waboto. I am an East African promoter, and I promote the arts. I am also the CEO of East Africa Arts Entertainment Awards and EAEA Global Awards. I am the man who was set to marry gospel singer Irene Robert, who is now resting in heaven,” he said in an interview shared by Tanzanian YouTuber Yuda Jay on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
According to his narration, the singer had been engaged in a spiritual session shortly before her condition deteriorated. He stated that Irene had fasted for several hours before asking him to step out and look for food for her. At the same time, she had also planned to take a shower.
He recounted that as he left to get food, she remained behind preparing to freshen up, but when he returned, he found that her condition had drastically worsened. He indicated that she had already taken off her clothes in preparation for the shower when she suddenly fell ill.
“The last time I was with her, she fasted for over three hours before she asked me to go out and look for some food for her. She also wanted to take a shower as I was heading out to find food. When I came back, I found that she was not in good condition,” he added.
Brian emphasised that her illness appeared to come on abruptly, describing it as a sudden deterioration that required immediate medical attention. He noted that they quickly rushed her to hospital following the incident.
While addressing circulating rumours surrounding her death, he defended her, maintaining that she fell sick unexpectedly and urging that justice be accorded to her against any misleading claims.
“If there are any rumours that have been spread about her, may God give her justice. My statement is that she died after suddenly falling sick just when she wanted to take a shower, and that is when we rushed her to the hospital,” he clarified.
He reiterated that their relationship had been formalised, stating that both families were aware of their plans to marry and that there was evidence to support this.
“Our health is God-given, and when someone suddenly falls sick, it is beyond human control. I found that she had already taken off her clothes, ready to shower, but she fell ill. This is a woman who had a man ready to marry her, who had already paid the dowry, and whose family had already given her away. There is video and photo evidence of that,” he said.
Brian also expressed gratitude to the Tanzanian government for investigating the matter, adding that the necessary clearance had now been granted to allow for her burial.
Looking ahead, he revealed plans for a burial mass to be held in Dar es Salaam under the guidance of her spiritual father, Pastor John Shusho, at Tabata Segerea, where members of the public will also have an opportunity to view her body.
“I want to thank the Tanzanian government for investigating this matter, and now we have the permit to bury her. We are now planning to have a burial mass with Irene’s spiritual father, Pastor John Shusho, at Tabata Segerea, where people will also be able to view her body,” Brian added.
Career gospel singer
Irene Robert was widely regarded as one of East Africa’s most influential voices in contemporary gospel music, known for her powerful vocals, deeply spiritual message, and consistent rise within the industry.
She officially launched her recording ministry in 2017, steadily building a name for herself through music that blended faith, emotion, and relatable life experiences. Raised in a strong Christian background, Irene’s journey in music began in church choirs, where she developed both her vocal strength and her passion for ministry.
Her work often focused on themes of faith, resilience, healing, and divine protection, earning her a loyal following and industry recognition, including the AFRIMMA Award for Best Female Artiste in African Inspirational Music.
Her collaborations with top gospel artistes such as Christina Shusho, Rose Muhando, and Walter Chilambo further cemented her place as a leading figure in the region’s gospel scene.
At the time of her death, Irene was entering a new chapter in her personal life, as she was preparing for her wedding, which had been scheduled for May 2026.
She tragically passed away in Dar es Salaam on March 20, 2026, at the age of 34, following a brief and sudden illness that left fans and fellow artistes in shock.
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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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