Popular Bungoma artist Joseph Kubende died on Thursday, March 23 after falling from a building in Roysambu Constituency, Nairobi.
According to reports, the artist fell under mysterious circumstances from the fourth floor and was found helpless on the ground by area residents.
Efforts to rush him to the hospital by well-wishers and friends proved futile. He succumbed to the injuries while at the hospital in Pangani.
Kubende had just celebrated his birthday four days earlier on March 19 noting, "Happy birthday to me, and may my guardian saint, Joseph the worker, protect me and guide me through this turbulent of life."
The poet was known for his role in mobilising the political scene and was also a poet, singer, motivational speaker, and writer.
His death was sadly received by his friends, fans, and family as well as leaders from the region who called for prompt action from the police.
Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale and Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa led Kenyans in mourning the deceased.
"To my consternation, I am learning of the death, under very unclear circumstances, of the great Joseph Kubende, a talented Luhya poet, author, and politician. We are holding his family in our prayers," Khalwale stated.
"Rest in Peace my good friend Joseph Kubende. I have just confirmed that the blossoming young man has rested after falling from the fourth floor of an apartment in Roysambu," Barasa added.
His body was taken to the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral, and Research Hospital morgue awaiting a post-mortem exercise.
Meanwhile, the incident is among recent cases of Kenyans plummeting to their death in the area with three youth reported dead.
One of the cases reported was the death of Jeff Mwathi who reportedly committed suicide and fell from the 12th floor of an apartment. The claims were, however, dismissed by the police who ruled that Mwathi was murdered.
The case is ongoing as the family seeks justice for their kin.
