Gospel singer Papa Dennis did not jump off Nairobi Records to his death, this is according to the stable’s owner, Mash Mjukuu.
Setting the record straight on Mambo Mseto, Mjukuu denied claims that Papa Dennis was in his studio for a session before he plummeted seven floors on Saturday, February 8.
Mjukuu explained that the multi-ward winner was found dead on the opposite side of the building, a distance from where the record label is situated.
He narrated that it is unlikely that the deceased jumped off, got up and walked across the road to the spot where he was found.
“Jamaa alikua ameanguka on the opposite side of the building; kwa mfano, studio iko point A na yeye ameanguka point B – mahali tofauti kabisa.”
“Angekua ameruka kutoka studioni angekuwa chini ya studio, lakini alikuwa mahali tofauti, the opposite side of the road. Kama kuna uwezekano ni suicide, inaamanisha aliweza kutembea maybe mpaka ile side ingine na akajirusha,” he said.
The Elea Africa Limited Director went on to call for calm and speedy investigations into the singer’s untimely death.
“Maybe alikuwa na mambo yake ilikuwa inamzumbua, hatuwezi jua. Haizaidii kueneza propaganda. Naomba kila mtu atulie. Sasa hivi tunafuatilia mambo ya post-mortem. Polisi walikuja wakafanya investigations. Tumekesha pale.”
He went on, “Wale tumezungumza nao wanasema alikuwa sawa. His brother Simon Mwangi alikuwa amekuja kumletea passport yake. Waliongea kidogo akasema wacha niende hivi nakuja. (Simon) akachukua simu yake na charger, akaenda.
“Hawa walipogundua kwamba (Papa Dennis) amekawia kurudi studio, wakampigia. Unajua pale studioni mtu anaweza toka kunywa maji au kupunga upepo au kufikiria kitu arudi aimbe. Kulingana na hao, alipopigiwa hakushika. Kidogo wakapigiwa kwamba hapa chini, huyo jamaa wenu, huku chini, ako kwa shida, kujeni.”
Also mourning the singer was Papa Dennis’s ex-manager Sadat Muhindi, who in a lengthy statement posted on Facebook, stated that he was a promising talent gone too soon
“Papa Dennis was officially signed by the Maliza Umasikini record label between 2013 and March 2019. During this period Papa Dennis Achieved the unthinkable in the Gospel Music industry. Rising from humble beginnings to a globally celebrated Artist who won several awards Locally, across the continent of Africa and globally celebrated including the Afrima Awards in the United States of America in 2018,” wrote Muhundi.
“Maliza Umasikini is grateful and privileged to have worked with such a highly talented artiste. We urge all concerned state agencies to speed up investigations into the untimely death of this music Icon and conclusively report to Kenyans on the same,” he wrote.
The Maliza Umaskini CEO in his condolence message to the family and friends added that the organization celebrates his life and shares the pain of his passing.
“As Maliza Umasikini we shall stand with the family, friends and colleagues in this difficult time. Papa Dennis was not only a part of Maliza Umasikini but also a friend and neighbour.”
Papa Dennis leaves behind a twin brother and three other siblings.
