Former President Mwai Kibaki has paid tribute to musician Joseph Kamaru as an accomplished social, political, cultural and economic commentator.
Kamaru passed on at the MP Shah Hospital on Wednesday night where he had been admitted since Monday after he fell ill.
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"Kamaru’s talent is a living example of how potent art is in opening new vistas of human imagination and creating possibilities that inform, transform and reawaken social consciousness in profound and memorable ways," he said.
In a statement on Thursday, Kibaki said through music, Kamaru distinguished himself from others.
"He was a thought leader whose genius created multiple reference points for cultural reflection and social regeneration for close to six decades non-stop," he said.
"Kamaru leaves behind a retinue of notable protégés whose prowess in creating music he stoked and nurtured."
Kibaki said Kamaru's
commentary on social mores and cultural ethos defines a legacy that is hard to match.
"His grasp of folk wisdom, his thoughtful lyrics, sagacious witticisms and mastery of the art of entertaining through music will continue to inspire and impact generations to come," he added.
Earlier, President Uhuru Kenyatta and NASA leader Raila Odinga sent a message of condolence to the family and his relatives.
President Uhuru described the popular musician as a gifted artist who mentored and cultivated the talents of many musicians.
Raila described the late Kamaru as a hero whose music inspired generations in Central Kenya and beyond.
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