Gone Too Soon: Honouring the Life of Wanjiru Karumba”
Wanjiru Karumba, wife to popular deejay DJ Krowbar, has passed away following a prolonged struggle with chronic kidney failure.
STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF
JOYCE WANJIRU KARUMBA
It is with profound sadness that we confirm the passing of Mrs. Joyce Wanjiru Karumba, beloved wife to renowned Gospel DJ Karumba Ngatia, popularly known as DJ Krowbar. Affectionately known to many as Joy, she was called home to be with the Lord in the early hours of Monday, January 26th, 2026, at 3 a.m.
Joy demonstrated immense courage and faith throughout a challenging health journey. After undergoing a kidney transplant mid-last year, she faced subsequent complications. Though an infection towards the end of the year was managed, recent weeks presented further medical challenges. She was briefly home two weeks ago before being re-admitted for care.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and resilience, cherished by her devoted husband, Karumba, and their three children: Toria, Riri, and Imani.
The family is united in grief but anchored by their faith. In a statement, they shared:
“While we are deeply saddened by this profound loss, we find comfort knowing she is now at perfect peace. As we navigate this difficult time, we kindly ask for your prayers, your love, and your respect for our privacy as we gather to make arrangements for her final journey. We will share further details regarding the arrangements in due course.”
The family expresses heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of love and support and kindly requests the public and media to honour their need for privacy as they mourn and plan.
We encourage all to hold the Karumba family in prayer.
Stay in prayer.
Shalom.
“Into your hands 1 commit my spirit; deliver me, LORD, my faithful God.” – Psalm 31:5
d you wish to support with her funeral arrangements, use the M-PESA Paybill details as below:
Name: Joy Wa Karosh Farewell
Paybill : 4815005
Account: Your Name
Joyce Wanjiru Karumba died on January 26, 2026, from complications that developed after a kidney transplant she underwent in 2025.
She had a long-standing health battle that eventually required a kidney transplant in 2025.
After the transplant, she initially recovered but later developed complications, including an infection towards the end of 2025, which was treated.
In recent weeks, new medical challenges emerged; she was readmitted to hospital after having been briefly discharged home about two weeks earlier.
She passed away at around 3 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026.
