Musician Shalkido Dies Following Motorbike Accident Along Thika Road
Reports indicate that Shalkido was heading back to Nairobi from a late-night gig in Thika when he lost control of his motorcycle around 4 a.m.
Marvin Chege 
Kenyan Gengetone star Shalkido, born Paul Koigi Mungai, has died following a horrific motorcycle crash along Thika Road in the morning of Sunday, October 5.
The accident, which took place in the early hours of Sunday morning, has shocked the entertainment industry, with fans and fellow artists flooding social media with emotional tributes.
Reports indicate that Shalkido was heading back to Nairobi from a late-night gig in Thika when he lost control of his motorcycle around 4 a.m. Witnesses described a gruesome scene, saying the crash left him with severe head injuries, with some speculating that a hit-and-run vehicle may have been involved.
He was rushed to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH), where he was admitted to the ICU with a brain hemorrhage and a fractured left leg.
Aerial view of Thika Road. /UZALENDO NEWS
Tragically, in a video posted on TikTok, his cousin confirmed that Shalkido succumbed to his injuries at around 6:30 p.m., standing alongside the artist’s father.
“Hello, guys, it is a sad evening. We are here with Shalkido’s father, and we have just received a report from the doctor that Shalkido died at 6:30, just a few minutes ago. So, guys, let us come together and stand with this family. Everything will be okay,” the cousin said.
Shalkido’s sister also confirmed the news, telling Oga Obinna’s personal assistant that the family received a call from the doctor informing them of his passing and that his body had since been taken to the morgue.
The heartbreaking announcement came just hours after comedian and media personality Oga Obinna had shared that Shalkido was in the ICU, battling for his life.
“We are at KU Referral Hospital, and things are not looking up because of a few factors. When we came in, tukapelekwa mpaka place yuko, yuko kwa ICU (we were taken to where he is, he is in the ICU),” Obinna had said earlier, noting that doctors described Shalkido’s condition as critical.
Oga Obinna revealed that he had spent time with Shalkido earlier that morning in Thika, where the musician was slated to perform at his show. After the event, they went their separate ways in the early hours, with Shalkido choosing to ride his motorbike back to Nairobi.
Obinna recalled that they briefly lost contact before meeting again at a junction toward Thika. He refueled Shalkido’s motorcycle, and they rode together until just past Kenyatta University, where the artist waved and took an exit. A few hours later, reports emerged that Shalkido had been involved in a serious crash.
Police have since impounded the motorcycle as investigations into the cause of the accident continue. The bike carried deep personal meaning for Shalkido — only weeks earlier, he had opened up about his financial struggles and appealed for public help.
Supporters, including Obinna, contributed to buying him the motorbike so he could earn a living as a boda boda rider and support his young family. Sadly, it became the same bike that claimed his life. Earlier in the day, Shalkido had taken what would become his final photo before heading to the show.
He first gained fame as a member of Sailors Gang, one of the pioneering groups in Kenya’s Gengetone movement of the late 2010s. With hits like Wamlambez, Wainame, and Pekejeng, the group captured the spirit of urban youth and catapulted Gengetone into mainstream recognition.
After Sailors Gang split, Shalkido transitioned to Mugithi music, seeking to reinvent himself and sustain his career despite personal and financial hardships. Coming from a modest background, he often spoke openly about his struggles and his drive to provide for his family even after his fame faded.
News of his death has triggered an emotional wave of tributes across social media, with fans and fellow artists mourning his resilience and humility. Many have pointed out the heartbreaking irony that the same bike meant to secure his future ultimately caused his death.
Media personalities and musicians have also used the tragedy to raise awareness about road safety and the economic pressures faced by struggling artists.
As investigations continue, Shalkido’s family has asked for privacy. Details of his funeral arrangements will be shared later.
Shalkido Profile
A photo of Shalkido in motorcycle gear before his accident on October 5, 2025. /KENYAN INSIGHTS
