"Ino ni Momo" hit singer laid to rest at Gatugura

Mourners in their hundreds from far and wide turned up to give a befitting send off to popular Kikuyu musician the late Sammy Murimi Nderi, of the “Ino Ni Momo” hit at his Gatungura village yesterday.

Musicians, fans, political leaders and others from all walks of life thronged Gatugura Primary School grounds where they paid tribute to the singer.

The mourners demanded that all musicians who attended the ceremony in their hundreds each introduce themselves and the song which propelled them to fame.

Went wild

By 5pm, the ceremony graced by Governor Joseph Ndathi, Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria, Senator Daniel Karaba, Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari and his Gichugu counterpart Njogu Barua was still not finished due to the many speakers who paid their last respects to the late musician.

The mourners went wild when the deceased’s stage dancer Janet Wambui (Momo), who is said to weigh 160 kilograms, arrived at the venue dressed in red jeans and a black top.

Musician Kamunguna also excited the crowd with many calling for the two to give a performance that would give the late Murimi a befitting send off.

The deceased’s parents Cyrus Nderi, and Grace Kanuthu sat in a somber mood as speaker after speaker praised Murimi for having taken the music scene by storm when he first appeared.

Murimi who had three wives, the late Josephine Wanjiku, Nancy Murimi and Pastor Zaweria Murimi, is survived by his two young children.

During the day long ceremony, business at the nearby Gatugura, Kimunye, Mukarara and Ithareini markets came to a standstill as area residents thronged the funeral venue in solidarity with the musician.