Uhuru praises departed Benga musician John DeMathew

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday condoled with friends and family of departed Benga musician John Ng’ang’a aka John DeMathew who perished in a road accident on Sunday evening.

In his message, the Head of State described the musician as a brilliant artiste who promoted African heritage through his music.

He further lauded the deceased’s efforts in mentoring upcoming musicians.


“As a nation, we were privileged to have had such a brilliant artiste who played a big role in promoting our African cultural heritage through his music.

“Indeed, we have lost an icon in the music industry. DeMathew championed and played a big role in preserving our cultural heritage,” said Uhuru.

DeMathew died in a road crash at Blue Post on Sunday evening.

According to Thika Base Commander Elenah Wamuyu, the musician’s car rammed into a lorry near Blue Post Hotel.

He was coming from a harambee that was held in Thika in support of musician Peter Kigia.

DeMathew was one of the pioneers of a Sacco that was started to pool resources together to give musicians proper send offs without resorting to harambees.