Kenyan Music Legend To Be Buried On Saturday In Grand Ceremony

Piece by: Grace Kerongo
Entertainment

Kenyans have lost a music icon. Most of us sung his songs in primary or secondary school, during the music or drama festivals. Remember the vibrant Luhya folk tune Mwana wa Mbeli (the firstborn), well, it is sad that the man who popularised it, is dead.

Mzee William Ingosi Moshi died early last week at his home in Kamulembe Village in Tiriki, Vihiga County, after a short illness.

Mwana wa Mbeli was composed to praise Uhuru Kenyatta's dad. It is about a man praising his first-born child who delivers him from suffering and misery. In this case, the song depicts Mzee Kenyatta as the son who broke the yoke of colonialism weighing down on Kenyans necks.

He was awarded a Head of State Commendation by President Mwai Kibaki along with other celebrated musicians such as Emmy Kosgei and Juma Odemba of Kayamba Africa.

Mzee Ingosi will be buried on Saturday at a burial that will be attended by all known names in the Luhya community.

Honourable Moses Akaranga wrote a tribute post on his social media for Mzee Ingosi.

"On behalf of the people of Vihiga and the nation at large, I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and fans of the Late William Ingosi. The Late Ingosi will be remembered by many for his hit song Mwana wa mberi which has ruled the airwaves for decades. He leaves a gap that will take ages to be filled. As a son of this County, the Late Ingosi was an inspiration and role model to many especially upcoming artists. His music encouraged social cohesion and morality and this made him to stand out from the other musicians. He ensured that his music, family and societal morals and values were upheld. As a County, we have lost a patriot, a peace crusader and a firm believer in human rights. The Late Ingosi was a selfless citizen who had the interests of the nation at heart. I pray that God will give fortitude to the family to bear the loss.

May his gentle soul rest in eternal peace."