Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi has called on the country’s entertainment fraternity to come together and pay their final respects to the late Paul Koigi Mungai, better known by his stage name Shalkido.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Monday, October 13, Omondi announced that a requiem mass will be held at All Saints Cathedral, next to Uhuru Park, on Wednesday, October 15, starting at 11:30 a.m.
“This Wednesday, we will be holding a requiem mass for our brother Shalkido at All Saints Cathedral next to Uhuru Park, starting at 11:30 a.m. Shalkido was a Gengetone artiste, a mugithi performer, a gospel singer, a comedian, and an actor,” Omondi said.
Omondi described the ceremony as a moment of unity—an opportunity for artists to celebrate Shalkido’s life and support his grieving family.
“I am calling on the entire industry to come together and give our brother a well-deserved, respectable send-off. I expect to see former Sailors Gang members, Miracle Baby, Masilver, and other artistes come and celebrate his life. This is the best way we can console the family,” he added.
A Call for Solidarity
Omondi’s appeal comes amid growing reflection on Shalkido’s journey through Kenya’s entertainment scene—a career that saw him transition from Gengetone fame to gospel, mugithi, and comedy.
He emphasised that the mass is not just a family affair but a moment for the entire creative industry to stand together. “It is both personal and collective,” Omondi said. “Let’s show love and honour to one of our own.”
The Tragic Loss
Shalkido passed away on Monday, October 6, 2025, following a motorbike accident along Thika Road. Reports indicate that the crash occurred in the early hours of the morning after he had performed at a show in Thika and was heading back to Nairobi.
He was rushed to Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), where he was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with severe brain injuries and a fractured left leg. Despite efforts to save him, doctors confirmed his death days later.
Family members described the loss as “unbearable,” confirming that his body had been transferred to the morgue as funeral arrangements began.
A Legacy Beyond Music
Shalkido first rose to fame as a member of the chart-topping group Sailors Gang, known for hits like Wamlambez and Wainame, which helped define the Gengetone wave that swept Kenya’s music scene in the late 2010s.
Over the years, he reinvented himself, branching into gospel music, mugithi performances, and comedy, earning respect as a multi-talented entertainer striving for growth and redemption.
As tributes continue to pour in, Omondi’s call for unity has struck a chord among artists and fans alike—reminding Kenya’s entertainment community that even in loss, there is strength in standing together.
About the Author
