Kikuyu Musician Peter Njeru Diagnosed With Cancer After Years of Silent Suffering
The Kikuyu music industry has been plunged into fresh shock after popular musician Peter Njeru Thiga revealed that he has been diagnosed with intestinal cancer, barely a month after the death of celebrated gospel singer Betty Bayo, who succumbed to blood cancer.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern among fans and fellow artistes, coming exactly one month and three days after Betty Bayo’s passing, a loss that had already left the community reeling.
The diagnosis was confirmed during a Facebook livestream on Saturday, December 13, 2025, where Njeru appeared alongside his wife, Njambi, and fellow Kikuyu musician Karangu Muraya. During the broadcast, Karangu appealed to the public for prayers and financial support as the ailing singer prepares to begin urgent treatment.
“Let us pray for Njeru, and thank you to all the artistes who have already supported him, including Shiru Wa GP, Loise Kim, Ben Githae and Martin Wa Janet,” Karangu said during the live session.
He disclosed that many people, including close associates, were unaware that Njeru had been battling serious health complications, adding that the cancer diagnosis had come as a major shock.
“Many people did not know that Njeru has been suffering. According to doctors, the illness has progressed very fast. We believe God will intervene in this case,” he added.
Plans for treatment abroad
Karangu revealed that medical specialists had advised that Njeru seek specialised treatment in India, with plans already underway to raise funds to facilitate the trip.
“Tonight, we are declaring that Njeru is not going anywhere. He will not die. He will go to India and return,” Karangu said with conviction.
He explained that the family was targeting approximately KSh3 million to cover medical and travel expenses, urging supporters to contribute whatever they could.
“Three million shillings is not a lot of money. If people contribute even KSh1,000 each, the amount can be raised, and he can travel to India as early as next week,” he said.
Karangu also disclosed that church leaders and bishops would be involved in special prayer sessions following the alarming medical report.
“We are planning to call upon bishops for special prayers, including Bishop Ben and Mwangi Zakayo. The report we have just received shows how fast the cancer is spreading. We are shocked,” he said.
Wife recounts years of silent struggle
Njeru’s wife, Njambi, gave an emotional account of her husband’s long-standing health struggles, revealing that he had suffered recurring stomach complications for several years before the cancer diagnosis.
“My husband has suffered a lot, not just for one year, but for many years,” she said.
She explained that doctors had previously attributed the symptoms to digestive issues, often recommending dietary adjustments such as increased roughage, which she prepared at home.
“He would feel better for some time, but the problem would always come back,” Njambi recalled.
The family, she said, chose to keep the illness private to avoid distressing relatives, a decision that made the eventual diagnosis even more devastating.
“We struggled with this illness quietly and never informed family members because we did not want to burden them,” she said.
Receiving the medical report, she added, was a moment of deep shock.
“This cancer diagnosis has shocked us deeply. We never imagined it would reach this point. I am still in shock,” she said.
The news has since prompted an outpouring of messages of support from fans, fellow musicians and religious leaders, as the Kikuyu music community rallies behind one of its own during yet another difficult moment.
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Kikuyu Musician Peter Njeru Diagnosed With Cancer After Years of Silent Suffering