This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
On April 12th, 2020, gospel singer Ruth Matete's life was forever changed with the tragic loss of her husband, Beloved John Apewajoye. The news of his passing was made public on July 4, 2020, when Radio Citizen Presenter Jerida Andayi appealed to the public to help Matete give the late Pastor Beloved John a good sendoff.
Jerida Andayi's heartfelt plea read: 'Finally! My lookalike and little siz Ruth Matete can now bury her husband. God is good. Kindly support her to give Pastor Beloved John a good sendoff through paybill 891300 Account number 39659.'
Matete's husband died due to multiple organ failure after suffering 60 per cent burns in a gas explosion at their home. According to Chief government Pathologist Johansen Oduor, 'He died because of burns, which were mixed degree burns estimated at 60 per cent. In burns, what kills are the complications that arise. In this case there was sepsis, multiple organ failure and all that.'
However, the Nigerian embassy had initially barred Matete from burying her husband, citing the need to ascertain the actual cause of his death. This led to a three-month standoff, with the body of Pastor Apewajoye staying at KNH Mortuary.
Matete was also questioned twice by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation over Apewajoye's death. The singer was questioned for about six hours after homicide detectives collected samples from her house.
