John de Matthew met his untimely demise in a grisly, tragic accident around the Blue Post area in Thika. he had been returning from a harambee (fundraising event) he had attended for a fellow musician, Peter Kigia.
Kenyans and celebrities have all taken to social media to share their messages of condolences to his family aswell as mourning the famous Kikuyu folk musician. Below are some such message from the people whose lives his music had touched:
We deeply regret to announce the death of Mr John De Mathew. Him being in our line up at the Mugithi Festival, it gives us deep sadness and sorrow for loosing such a talent. He will be remembered by many but most importantly his fans.
May He rest in Peace.#RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/qP6oSrIlEF
— Mugithi Festival (@mugithifestival) August 18, 2019
I have always loved "Njata Yakwa" by John DeMathew, a song in which Murang’a County Woman Representative Hon. Sabina Chege acted as John DeMathew's wife. You will be missed legend. #RIPDeMathew pic.twitter.com/NLubNlDDx3
— Embakasi Finest 🇰🇪 🐐 (@ThisIsMboya) August 18, 2019
John Demathew was there in the cassettes era, the cd era, the dvd era, the skiza tune era and still is even in this you tube craze era! You know why? He produced ever greens with a touch of modernity. He will forever remain in our hearts #RIPDemathew
— Kim futalytic (@KimFutalytic) August 18, 2019
I will remember this song and many more you composed that addressed political and socio-economic factors affecting Kenyans. Rip John Dematthew pic.twitter.com/cx1VjyA7x5
— Parkinson- Creutzfedlt (@Lewanjoski) August 18, 2019
Waking up to the news of passing on of John Demathew. He was no.2 Kikuyu musician only after Joseph Kamaru. He was not only a singer, he was a God's messager, prophet, Kikuyu teacher and a mentor for the young artists.
SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD SAD!#RIPDemathew— THE INCREDIBLY TERRIBLE! (@allen_arnold) August 19, 2019
@K24 @Kamemetv @kamemefm @kbcTruly you said it right,(moyo ti kibandi') life is not like an I'd card that when it lost you can get another one,go well we shall meet in beautiful show,#RIPDemathew pic.twitter.com/Cn580haxfc
— james kinyua jaki (@KinyuaJaki) August 18, 2019
A road accident has taken the life of the best musician of our time,John De’Mathhew.
Rest in Peace.RIPAnd to you my people May God Almighty Always Protect You and your Families wherever you are.. Hatujui siku yetu ni lini. Sisi sote na urembo wetu, utajiri ama umaskini wetu, power yetu, drama zetu etc. ni maiti watarajiwa or maiti in waiting coz we must one day die.
 he had attended for a fellow musician, Peter Kigia.){kind=link}