A popular Kikuyu musician yesterday appealed to well-wishers for help.
Paul Mutonga, alias Wanganangu, says he is unable to fend for his family due to old age.
He says his Mucatha home in Kiambaa constituency is in bad shape.
The 86-year-old blind man is known for his hit song 'ngurumo ya sababa'.
Wanganangu is living in abject poverty with his wife, seven children and grandchildren.
He said he is unable to fend for his family due to his old age and poor vision.
Wanganangu plays his accordion in local pubs in Kiambu county.
"Old age is fast catching up with me. My wife, who accompanies me [during performances], is also not well," he said.
Wanganangu lost his vision at the age of eight.
He says he is a member of the Music Copyright Society of Kenya, but has never received proceeds from his two albums, popularly played in local pubs.
"The MCSK must remember old musicians since some of us cannot consistently go to their offices to claim royalties," Wanganangu said.
He said he wants to perform for President Uhuru Kenyatta, just as he did his father President Jomo Kenyatta.
Wanganangu has also performed for Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi.
"Uhuru is the only President I have not performed for."
City lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said musicians should be recognised as heroes.
He said the national government should put up social security fund for the elderly and provide mentorship programmes for them.
"Putting aside money for the elderly is not enough, the artists need to be recognised," Njiru said.
He said during celebrations of heroes, even artists who have entertained Kenyans for decades should be awarded.
