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Popular Kalenjin musician Harmon Kipkirui Rono popularly known as Rhino Kaboom was laid to rest in Londiani, Kericho, on Saturday. Thousands showed up to bid their final goodbye to the artiste who was lauded in his town as one of the most promising musicians.
Kaboom, 27, was known for hit songs like Tamu Tamu Beril Chomyet, Criminal Chomyet Verah, Monica and Lulu and Kalenjin radio stations have paid tribute to him by playing his tracks in recent days. The musician was killed after his motorbike was involved in a head-on collision with a Probox in Emining, Baringo County a fortnight ago. He died on the spot, according to Rift Valley Traffic Enforcement Officer Dorothy Muleke.
Award-winning musician Emmy Kosgei eulogized Kaboom as a talented musician and prayed for God’s grace upon the family during this sad moment. “It is really sad losing such a young and promising musician. I pray that God gives the family grace and strength during this trying time,” she told The Standard on a telephone interview.
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“Rest in perfect peace @Rhono Kaboom. It is unbelievable you are no more…,” wrote Favour Jackie Official. The Kalenjin Music Association said his death was a big blow to the music industry. “We are saddened and shocked by the demise of Rhino and ask members of the public to pray for the family during this trying time,” said the association’s chairman Makiche Rotich.
Speaking to journalists in Bomet, Makiche said the musician had left a huge gap at the association where he was an active member. “He has left a huge gap within our association and in the music fraternity,” he said. Rhino star’s death comes less than three years after the death of five musicians from Kenene International Band in Nakuru’s Salgaa hotspot.
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Jackline Chepkemoi of Kapchumbe sisters band said the rate at which the community was losing artistes was worrying. “In the last five years we have lost very talented musicians from the Kalenjin community and we pray that these tragedies end,” Chepkemoi said.
