The Kenyan music industry is in mourning following the death of veteran musician Eric Onguru, who was popularly known as Kunguru. According to his former manager, Kunguru passed away at the Nairobi Hospital on Sunday at 2:00 pm.
The musician's former manager attributed his prolonged illness to an accident he suffered in 2009 or 2010 that affected his spinal cord.
The news of Kunguru's death came as a shock to many of his fans, who expressed their condolences and paid tribute to his musical career on social media.
Media personality Gidi Gidi was among the first to mourn Kunguru, taking to social media to express his sadness. "RIP my friend KUNGURU ??," he wrote, while other Kenyans also took to Twitter to pay their respects.
Philip Etale wrote, "Mr. Kunguru, we enjoyed your music back in the day. You have gone to be with the Lord, and all we can say is; Go well my friend Kunguru... RIP," while Bravin Yuri said, "May Legendary Kenyan Musician Kunguru rest in Peace. This legend contributed a lot to Kenyan Music."
"Eric Onguru aka Kunguru, My friend and former Boss at SCB, sad to learn that you are no more.... Go well Brother, may Your Soul Rest In Peace," said Hon. Nyakerario Mayaka.
Kunguru was a talented artist who was best known for his club-banging tunes "I Will Never Let You Go" and "Baby Don't Go," featuring Mr. Lenny. His unique style of music and lyrics earned him the nickname "ladies' man" during his early days in the music industry.
Kunguru has passed on ? Remember 'Baby Don't Go' pic.twitter.com/uWhB4Vbw4Y
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Kunguru's passion for music began at a tender age, and he started rapping before making his debut in mainstream showbiz in 2006 with "African Woman," which featured Mr. Lenny.
Kunguru was among the few talents that were retained by Ogopa Deejays when the company terminated the contracts of most of their signees. Apart from his music career, Kunguru also worked in the banking industry.