Willy Paul and Njugush lead celebrities in mourning DJ Krowbar’s wife Joyce Wanjiru
By Steve Ireri, January 26, 2026Kenyan celebrities have poured out messages of support and condolences following the passing of Joyce Wanjiru Karumba, the wife of gospel DJ Karumba Ngatia, popularly known as DJ Krowbar.
The outpouring of grief was visible under DJ Krowbar’s post on social media announcing the loss of his wife, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, January 26, 2026.
Fans, friends, and fellow entertainers shared heartfelt tributes expressing sympathy and solidarity with the bereaved family.
Among the first to post were singers Willy Paul and comedian Njugush, who led a wave of messages from fellow celebrities.
Njugush wrote that DJ Krowbar had done well by his wife and wished her eternal peace, while Willy Paul simply expressed heartfelt condolences.
“So sorry, Bro, my condolences!!!! You did well by her!!!!! May she rest in peace,” Njugush commented.
“Waaaah pole sana bro, condolences 🙏,” Willy Paul wrote.
Other notable figures joined in mourning, including media personality Antoneosoul, who offered his sincere condolences, and actress Aicy Stevens, who expressed her sorrow with an emotional message.
“My sincere condolences, Krowbar 🕊️,” Antoneosoul wrote.
“I’m so sorry 😢🫂,” Aicy Stevens commented.
Poet Mufasa, Nick Ndenda, and TV presenter Lulu Hassan also posted messages of sympathy, offering comfort to DJ Krowbar and his family.
“So sorry 😢,” Nick Ndenda commented.
“Pole man. Pole sana,” Mufasa poet wrote.
“Oiiiii pole sana bro @djkrowbar,” TV presenter Lulu Hassan wrote.
Comedian Abel Mutua described Joyce as one of the greatest fighters he had ever met and wished her to rest well, while his wife, Judy Nyawira, added her condolences.
“Oh Noo!! One of the greatest fighters I’ve ever met. Rest well, Joy,” Abel Mutua wrote.
“Oh no! My condolences,” Abel Mutua’s wife, Judy Nyawira, wrote.
Other entertainers, including Milly Chebby, Kabi wa Jesus, DJ Mo, and DJ Joe Mfalme, also expressed their sympathies, encouraging DJ Krowbar to stay strong during the difficult period.
Untimely demise
While announcing his wife’s passing. DJ Krowbar revealed that she died at exactly 3 a.m.
“It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Mrs. Joyce Wanjiru Karumba, beloved wife to renowned Gospel DJ Karumba Ngatia, popularly known as DJ Krowbar. Affectionately known to many as Joy, she was called home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Monday, January 26th, 2026, at 3 a.m.,” Krowbar’s statement read in part.
He revealed that Joyce, affectionately known as Joy, had faced a challenging health journey over the past year.
He stated that she underwent a kidney transplant in mid-2025 and experienced subsequent complications.
“Joy demonstrated immense courage and faith throughout a challenging health journey. After undergoing a kidney transplant mid-last year, she faced subsequent complications,” he shared.
The DJ further revealed that while an infection towards the end of the year was managed, recent weeks brought additional medical challenges, which led to her re-admission to hospital shortly after a brief stay at home two weeks ago.
“Though an infection towards the end of the year was managed, recent weeks presented further medical challenges. She was briefly home two weeks ago before being re-admitted for care,” Krowbar’s statement added.