This archive report was first published on 11 June 2020.
Abenny Jachiga, a talented Luo musician, left behind a legacy of music that will be remembered for years to come. Born in Kisumu, Kenya, Abenny was known for his hit song 'Mano Kasinde', which roughly translates to 'Her cousin' in English.
On June 9, 2020, Abenny fell ill at his home in Chiga, Kisumu East, and was taken to a local hospital. His condition did not improve, and he was later transferred to St Elizabeth Hospital, then to the Aga Khan Hospital in Kisumu, before being admitted to St Jairus Hospital near the Kisumu International Airport, where he died at 2am on Thursday, June 11, 2020.
His brother, Austin Omondi, confirmed the news of his death, saying, 'At Aga Khan, the doctors explained that his kidneys were affected. The family requested to transfer him to an affordable hospital.' He was finally admitted at St Jairus Hospital, where he died.
Abenny's death was met with shock and sadness from his fans, family, and friends, who took to social media to express their condolences. A fan, Daniel Juma Omondi, tweeted, 'Sad day as we mourn ohangla musician Abenny Jachiga who passed on after a short illness in a Kisumu hospital last night... He is remembered for his famous song 'Mano Kasinde'. May his soul Rest In Peace.'
Abenny leaves behind a widow and two children – a son and a daughter. His body was moved to the Port Florence Community Hospital mortuary. By the time of his death, Abenny was working on his latest album, which was to be released early 2021.
