President Uhuru to Grace Singer John DeMathew’s Burial on Saturday

President Kenyatta is set to grace the burial of Kikuyu benga singer John Ng’ang’a, popularly known as John DeMathew.

DeMathew, who died in a grisly road crash on Sunday evening, will be laid to arrest at his home in Mukurwe village, Muranga County on Saturday.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the chairperson of the burial committee Muheria Kariukia said President Kenyatta is among leaders who will be attending DeMathew’s final sendoff.

DeMathew's close friend and musician Peter Kigia said President Kenyatta requested the burial be held on Saturday as he would be traveling abroad next week.
 
"As artistes, we wanted the burial to be set for next week, but President Uhuru requested us to move it closer as he would love to grace the event. It was a humble request and we felt the need to honor it," said Kigia.

DeMathew was pronounced dead on arrival at Thika Nursing Home, where he was rushed after ramming into a lorry near Blue Post Hotel in Thika. He was alone in the car at the time the accident happened.

An autopsy carried out at Kenyatta University Mortuary on Monday showed the celebrated singer succumbed to severe internal injuries. 

“As a result of my examination, I formed the opinion that the cause of the death was due to the chest and abdominal injuries due to blunt force trauma consistent with a road traffic accident,” pathologist Dorothy Njeru said in a postmortem report.
 
In a message of condolence to the family and friends, Kenyatta eulogized DeMathew as a gifted musician, who used his talent to entertain, educate and mentor upcoming artistes.

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

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

The singer leaves behind two wives; Sabina Wairimu and Carolyne Waithira and seven children.