"Continue resting": Carolyne DeMathew remembers late husband John DeMathew
This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.
- Carolyne DeMathew shared a heartfelt tribute on Facebook marking exactly 7 years since Kikuyu Benga legend John DeMathew passed away
- John DeMathew died on August 18, 2019, in a road accident along the Thika Superhighway while returning from a fundraiser in Murang'a County
- Fans flooded Carolyne's post with emotional messages, remembering the day they heard the devastating news of the musician's death
John DeMathew's widow Carolyne DeMathew paused on Tuesday, August 18, to remember the Kikuyu Benga star seven years after his sudden passing.
She shared a simple but loaded message on Facebook.
How did Carolyne honour John DeMathew?
"Exactly 7 years today......Continue resting in peace, Legend," she wrote, accompanied by a prayer emoji.
The post drew an outpouring of grief and nostalgia from fans who clearly still carry the loss with them.
John DeMathew, born John Ng'ang'a Mwangi, lost his life on August 18, 2019, when his Nissan Navara slammed into the back of a truck along the Thika Superhighway near Blue Post Hotel in Thika.
He had been travelling alone after attending a musical fundraiser in Gatanga, Murang'a County, organised to raise money for the ailing child of a fellow musician.
A post-mortem examination confirmed he died from severe internal injuries and fractured ribs sustained in the crash.
The musician left behind a catalogue of more than 50 albums and was celebrated by fans as a "prophet" for the layered cultural, political and social messages woven into his music.
How is Carolyne's life after John's death?
The years following his death were not easy for Carolyne. She and DeMathew's first wife, Sarafina Wairimu, initially pledged to co-exist peacefully, but a bitter dispute over the musician's assets and music royalties soon tore that understanding apart.
Carolyne went to court seeking a share of his wealth and royalties, but her case was dismissed. She later claimed she had been evicted from the ancestral home and was left struggling to raise her two children, Tyrese and Matthew.
In April 2026, Carolyne announced she had found love again and was engaged, sharing videos from a romantic getaway with her new partner.
The announcement drew both congratulations and criticism online. She has since rebuilt a public profile as a social media influencer.
Even so, the anniversary post was a reminder that grief and new beginnings are not mutually exclusive.
See the post below:
Fans weigh in
Fans responded warmly to her tribute, with many sharing their own memories of the moment they learned of DeMathew's death:
Carol Cee Jei:
"I will never forget that night when breaking news was all over: 'DeMathew is gone'....aki simjui in person but believe me I was disturbed by his death..as a fan, i read news again n again in disbelief...I cried.....oooh it was a fateful night.....who else can recall this? May his soul continue resting in peace... we still love his music"
Luzzie Muiruri:
"Continue resting in peace"
Ruth Nyambura:
"Continue dancing with angels, Baba Shiku."
Lizz Ngugi:
"Continue resting in peac,e Baba Shiko"
Ericesc Njagih:
"Legends never die"
Francis Kariuki:
"I was his fna up to now"
Niamey Negrete Junior:
"Legends don't die but sleep"
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.