Kikuyu music scene hit again as another popular musician is diagnosed with cancer
By Steve Ireri, December 13, 2025Exactly one month and three days after revered Kikuyu gospel singer Betty Bayo died of blood cancer, another musician from the community, Peter Njeru Thiga, has been diagnosed with intestinal cancer.
The development was confirmed by Peter himself, together with his wife, Njambi, and Kigooco singer Karangu Muraya during a Facebook livestream on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
During the live session, Karangu appealed for prayers and support, saying the family was calling on fellow artistes, fans, and well-wishers to stand with Njeru as he begins treatment.
“Let us pray for Njeru, and thank you to all the artistes who have supported him, including Shiru Wa GP, Loise Kim, Ben Githae, and Martin Wa Janet. Many people were not aware that Njeru has been suffering from cancer. We believe God will intervene in this case,” Karangu said.
He revealed that the illness had progressed rapidly, according to doctors, and stressed that the diagnosis had come as a shock to those close to the musician.
Karangu expressed strong faith that Njeru would overcome the illness, adding that plans were underway for him to travel to India for specialised treatment once funds are raised.
“Tonight, we are declaring that Njeru is not going anywhere. He will not die. He will go to India and return. We believe that three million shillings is not a lot of money. If people contribute even Ksh1,000 each, the amount can be raised, and he can travel to India as early as next week,” he said.
He said the family was targeting about Ksh3 million and encouraged supporters to contribute modest amounts, noting that collective effort would make the goal achievable.
He also disclosed plans to convene church leaders and bishops for special prayers in the coming days.
“We are also planning to call upon bishops for special prayers, including Bishop Ben and Mwangi Zakayo. The medical report showing how fast the cancer has spread has just reached us. We are shocked because doctors say it is spreading very rapidly,” he said.
Wife’s account
Njeru’s wife, Njambi, gave an emotional account of the long health struggle her husband had endured before the cancer diagnosis.
She explained that for years, Njeru had suffered recurring stomach complications that were often treated as digestion-related issues.
At different times, doctors advised dietary changes, including eating more roughage, which she prepared for him at home.
“My name is Njambi, Njeru’s wife. My husband has suffered a lot, not just for one year, but for many years. He was often advised to eat roughage, and I would prepare it for him. It would help for a while, but the problem would always come back,” she said.
While these measures offered temporary relief, the symptoms kept returning.
Njambi said they chose to keep the illness private for a long time to avoid burdening family members, a decision that made the recent cancer diagnosis even more devastating.
She described receiving the medical report as a deeply shocking moment, saying they had not anticipated such an outcome despite the prolonged discomfort.
“We have been struggling with this illness quietly, and we never informed family members because we did not want to burden or stress them. This cancer diagnosis has shocked us deeply. We never imagined it would come to this, and I am still in shock,” she added.