Raila Odinga leads nation in mourning Ohangla songbird Lady Maureen

By Standard Entertainment | 3yrs ago | 2 min read

ODM leader Raila Odinga is among leaders condoling with the family, friends and fans of Ohangla songbird Lady Maureen following her passing on Friday, July 10.

In a message via Twitter, Odinga stated that the singer who died in Uriri, Migori County, a week after being discharged from hospital, was talented and dynamic.

“My condolences go out to the family, friends and fans of Lady Maureen. Achieng' was immensely talented and very dynamic; always adapting to new trends in a very competitive music industry. May she Rest In Eternal Peace,” wrote Odinga.

Mourning the Gor Kogallo hitmaker, Odinga’s wife Ida eulogized the deceased as one of the best Ohangla composers.

“I am shocked at the news of her death. She was one of the best composers of Ohangla hit songs, May her soul rest in peace,” shared Ida.

A message echoed by Migori Woman Representative Dr Pamela Odhiambo: “ I am shocked at the demise of the musician, it is an extremely difficult moment for the family. My sincere condolences.”

Taking to social media in a string of condolence messages, Kenyans have through the hashtag #RIPLadyMaureen expressed sorrow that the singer who was in and out of hospital amidst failing health, financial issues and claims of abandonment, had bowed out.

Remembered as one of the most renowned female singers of her generation who personified Ohangla's golden era, she had prior her death been the target of death hoaxes as news of her suffering from as early as 2018 surfaced including a stint in a Tanzanian jail with her 15 member band.

Billed by many as the queen of Ohangla, Maureen spent nine days at Bukungu prison in Mwanza with her Nyar Ng’ato traditional dancers after their promoter took off after promising Sh400,000 for two shows.

The group were arrested by immigration officers, taken to court and sentenced to six months in jail for being in the country illegally with bail set at Sh35,000 each. They were bailed out by well-wishers with support from Royal Media Services (RMS) owner, SK Macharia.

Her deteriorating health had four months ago attracted the attention of singer Esther Akoth alias Akothee. In an Instagram post, Akothee revealed that she had reached out to the ailing singer who was at the time admitted at Jaramogi Oginga Teaching and Referral Hospital.

“I had communication with Maureen’s family, and she is at her uncle’s place, who has accepted to give her a piece of land to build a home for herself. My mother will be going to Pap Onditi in Nyakach on our behalf to tell us what’s on the ground,” posted Akothee.