Mighty Salim's Father Explains Why Son Opted Out of Surgery in India

Celebrated Mugithi singer Mighty Salim
Celebrated Mugithi singer Mighty Salim
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Joe Salim, the father of the late Mugithi musician Timothy Njuguna, popularly known as Mighty Salim, has dismissed rumors that his famous son declined to undergo surgery due to the influence of a local cultural cult known as Ngomi. 

While addressing journalists on Monday, January 24, Joe explained that Mighty Salim did not fly to India for surgery despite the family conducting a publicised fundraiser where they raised Ksh2.5 million.

The decision was informed by a doctor who indicated fears that the celebrated musician would not survive a major operation. 

Rumours had become awash that the deceased was against the surgery due to the teachings of the Ngomi cult which advises its followers not to seek medical intervention but rather please their ancestors through various rituals. 

"Mighty Salim had a problem and I know many of his fans recall him holding a Harambee. He was diagnosed with kidney failure. He also had high blood pressure and diabetes.

Mighty Salim's father, Joe Salim, speaks to the press
Mighty Salim's father, Joe Salim, speaks to the press.
The Standard

"When he was set to fly to India for surgery, a doctor advised us to abandon the plans opting for dialysis. He feared that the operation would be his end due to his other complications," explained Joe, also a veteran musician.

He further noted that he had met his son on Saturday, January 23, the fifth memorial day of the death of Mighty Salim's brother Salim Junior.

The two parted ways before Mighty Salim was reported dead on Sunday, January 24. The family, famed for producing top Mugithi stars including rising musician Salim Young, still awaits a detailed report from the doctor over his death.

The celebrated artist succumbed to kidney failure after years of battling diabetes.

He had been diagnosed with diabetes in mid-2003 before the situation advanced to kidney failure in 2018.

When he was diagnosed with a health complication in 2018, Mighty Salim was in a dire need of Ksh2.5 million for surgery and treatment of his kidneys. 

The singer then underwent dialysis twice a week at the Kenol hospital in Murang'a at a cost of Ksh 18,000 which he could hardly afford.

Gatundu South MP Moses Kuria stepped in and helped the family offset Salim's bill at Karen Hospital.

The late Mugithi singer Mighty Salim
The late Mugithi singer Mighty Salim.
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