The death of Kelvin Mburu, popularly known as Shalkido, has left a deep scar on Kenya’s entertainment industry.
The young Gengetone artist, who rose to fame as part of Sailors Gang, was known for his energetic performances and unique lyrical style that helped shape Kenya’s urban music scene.
His sudden death shocked fans, artists, and industry players who admired his talent and determination to rebuild his career after years of silence. However, the tragedy has also exposed the dark side of celebrity culture, especially after singer Bahati, real name Kelvin Kioko, posted a message that many found distasteful.
Bahati shared a screenshot showing that Shalkido had once reached out to him through direct messages, seeking a collaboration either with him or his wife Diana B.
Instead of receiving sympathy, the post drew sharp criticism from fans who accused Bahati of trying to use the young artist’s death for clout.
Many felt it was wrong to post the message only after Shalkido’s death when he had ignored him while he was still alive.
The backlash was immediate, with social media users calling out Bahati for his timing and lack of sensitivity.
One fan commented that if Bahati truly respected Shalkido, he would have responded to his message when he was still breathing.
Another said the post looked more like a strategy to attract attention rather than a genuine expression of grief.
The outrage revealed how many Kenyans are tired of celebrities turning tragedies into social media content.
People felt that Bahati’s move disrespected not only Shalkido’s memory but also the pain of his family and friends.
Even though Bahati may have intended to show remorse or pay tribute, the gesture came across as self-centered to many. It highlighted how some artists wait until tragedy strikes to publicly associate themselves with others they ignored when alive.
The timing of the post made it seem like Bahati was seeking validation from followers rather than offering heartfelt condolences.Meanwhile, details surrounding Shalkido’s final moments have made his death even more painful to accept.
According to reports, he had just performed at a club event in Thika hosted by Oga Obinna, who said he personally invited the artist to perform and even fueled his motorbike before they went separate ways.
Minutes later, news broke that Shalkido had been involved in a hit-and-run accident on his way home. Despite being rushed to Kenyatta University Referral Hospital, his condition deteriorated rapidly.
Doctors placed him on life support after he suffered serious head injuries and internal bleeding, but he was later declared brain dead and pronounced dead soon after.
Shalkido’s passing serves as a reminder of how fragile life is and how fake public displays of sympathy can overshadow genuine grief. The focus should be on celebrating his music and supporting his family, not on celebrities chasing likes and sympathy after ignoring him in life.
Bahati’s misstep only shows how misplaced priorities have become in Kenya’s entertainment scene, where image often outweighs empathy.
