Legendary Radio Presenter Musungu Kyumbe Dies

The Kenyan media fraternity has been thrown into mourning following the demise of celebrated radio presenter, Musungu Kyumbe.

Also known as James Malombe, the renowned Mbaitu FM presenter passed away on Tuesday, November 28 at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) in Nairobi, according to a source who spoke to Viral Tea.

Former Machakos Senator, Johnson Muthama, was among the high-profile figures to mourn the loss of an icon in the media industry.

"In sorrow, I join the Kamba community in mourning the loss of the esteemed Kamba Radio Presenter, Musungu Kyumbe, whose departure has created a profound void.

The late Mbaitu FM presenter, Musungu Kyumbe. /X

"My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and the dedicated fans who cherished him. Poleni sana for this irreplaceable loss," he wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

The news of his passing came as a profound loss to both the broadcasting community and those who tuned in to his distinctive voice. His journey was one marked by resilience and dedication, not only to his craft but also to the listeners who welcomed him into their homes each day.

The source further revealed to Viral Tea that Kyumbe had been battling health issues for quite some time.

"When he got an accident years back that's when he realized his kidneys had failed. Recently he was diagnosed with skin cancer," the source revealed.

The Ukambani king of the airwaves, popularly known to his fans as 'Musungu Kyumbe' (the real white man) due to albinism, was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2020.

He was put on renal dialysis twice weekly at KNH in April that year. He depended on the support of fans, friends and other well-wishers to see him through the costly treatment.

Speaking to The Star, the journalist said he had initially been admitted at KNH with a blood clot and high blood pressure. This was after he was involved in an accident in Katangi on the Machakos-Kitui road as he drove home in March 2020.

A week after the accident, and after being treated for minor injuries at a Katangi hospital and discharged, Kyumbe developed difficulties in walking and had to be supported to walk about.

“I then visited KNH and was admitted for a check-up, and the medics established that I had suffered kidney failure,” Kyumbe disclosed at the time.

Kyumbe was poached by Mbaitu FM from Athiani FM alongside Sammy Mulinge alias ‘Man Mbilo’ in 2016, with whom he hosted evening and morning shows in turns.

Athiani FM is owned by Athiani Holdings Limited associated with Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, while Mbaitu FM is under the Eastern Broadcasting Corporation associated with former Kitui Governor, Charity Ngilu.

A logo of Mbaitu FM. /FACEBOOK