Mugiithi Icon Dick Munyonyi Passes Away After Long Illness

Sad news has swept through the Kenyan music scene with the passing of renowned Mugithi artist Dick Munyonyi. Munyonyi breathed his last on Saturday, January 6, after battling illness for an extended period.

Many fans were left devastated by the news, first shared on Facebook by philanthropist Karangu Wa Muraya. Just hours before Munyonyi’s passing, Wa Muraya had made a public appeal for financial assistance, hoping to transfer the ailing artist to a facility with an ICU. Despite a collective effort by fans and well-wishers, Munyonyi’s condition worsened, leading to his untimely demise.

Wa Muraya, in a later Facebook post, expressed gratitude to both Gatundu Hospital and KU Referral Hospital for their care and encouraged Kenyans to continue doing good in the face of life’s unpredictable nature.

Munyonyi’s musical journey was extensive, stretching back to 1971. He even earned the prestigious honor of performing at the wedding of former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 1989. However, his career faced challenges after the release of his hit song “Firirinda” in 1986 due to contracting tuberculosis. He still remained engaged with music, playing guitar during his son’s performances despite his health issues.

In a surprising twist, “Firirinda” found new life in 2021, going viral on TikTok 35 years after its initial release. This unexpected resurgence brought Munyonyi back into the spotlight, even as he bravely dealt with a stage one prostate cancer diagnosis in January 2023.

Munyonyi’s legacy lives on in his music, touching the hearts of countless fans. His dedication to his craft and perseverance through numerous challenges inspire many. May he rest in peace, forever remembered as a talented musician and beloved figure in the Kenyan music scene.