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The entertainment fraternity is mourning the loss of one of its own after the sad news of Big Kev’s death broke. Kevin Ombajo the CEO of Trublaq and former Capital FM employee had been battling cancer which left him in and out of hospitals.
Early last year after he was admitted at the Nairobi hospital for surgery, his loved ones came in numbers to visit him including his good friend President Uhuru Kenyatta and Kidum who was left in tears.
‘’Big Kev on his bed in Nairobi hospital told his family members that he would want to meet me before he is taken to surgery! First was Bruce Odhiambo who told me about a concert in carnivore about raising the funds for our friend Big Kev on this Friday but today Thursday everyone was calling me about the message Big Kev wanted to give me on his hospital bed. I couldn't hold my tears after he spoke to me. God has spoken to me through him. He requested this song Nipe Nguvu.’’ Kidum posted after his visit.
During an interview in 2010, he revealed that he has had the brain tumor for 10 years but he ignored the warning signs of headaches and paralysis until it finally got his attention.
This led to over 10 brain surgeries and at one point the event’s organizer went to India for a lifesaving operation on his head after all else had failed. Unfortunately after a surgical procedure carried out in October last year, he was diagnosed with optic atrophy a condition that leaves its sufferers blind after the optic nerves dry up.
‘’It’s dark, very dark. Not all of us can relate but it is like being in a small room with no windows and no doors. I can’t remember the last time I saw my face in a mirror, and I meet people every day whom I hope I get to see soon.’’ Part of a message that was posted on his social media last year December read.
Rallying behind him, celebrities in different fields came together in his honor for a black tie dinner held in February at the Carnivore. With a ticket going for Sh10,000 per person, the well-attended fund raiser managed to raise Sh7.2 million towards his medical bills.
‘’You believed in me way back when most wouldn't.
Rest in the skies. You have shaped a music generation. Big Kev.’’ King Kaka posted as the shocking news continues to hit the homes of many.
His family are yet to reveal the cause of his death as they continue to mourn.
Big Kev will forever be remembered for his contribution in the music industry after he hit the scene in 1995 as a gospel singer.
May he rest in peace!
