This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
July 13, 2020, marked a somber day for the music industry in Kenya as news of the passing of Ohangla princess Lady Maureen Achieng spread.
Her struggles began in 2018 when she was arrested and held in a Tanzanian prison for two weeks alongside 15 band mates, charged with working in the country without permits.
Producer John Erick Ochieng, popularly known as Engineer Wuod Fibi, revealed that the musician's tribulations started with this incident.
Wuod Fibi, a Rhumba maestro and producer at Barikiwa studios, had recorded Lady Maureen's hit album featuring songs like Akuru Marachar, Yom Kabudho, and Abiro Iri.
After her release from prison, Lady Maureen organized her album launch in an attempt to regain her footing in the industry, but an electric fault during the performance forced her to collapse and seek medical attention.
"She collapsed, forcing her crew to rush her to hospital. Since then she has been struggling to make a comeback to the industry and she died trying so hard to be back on her feet," said Wuod Fibi.
Throughout her struggles, Lady Maureen received support from former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who helped her during her illness.
Wuod Fibi emphasized the importance of musicians being responsible with their finances and living within their means, citing the need for a welfare association to cushion them during medical emergencies.
