A Kenyan-born musician Roger Whittaker who sang 'My Land in Kenya' that went viral in 1982 is dead.
He died Monday, September 18 after developing short illness. At the time of his death, Roger had hit 87 years on earth.
Roger was born in Kenya to British parents and was raised both in Kenya and South Africa. He is said to have moved to the United Kingdom in 1965 to pursue his music career.
He retired from music in 2012 after years of entertaining his fans with his music.
Former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka is among the Kenyans who took to social media to mourn the legendary musician.
Kalonzo described Roger as a man who achieved a lot in his music career spanning more than four decades.
"I am saddened to learn of the passing of renowned Kenyan-born folk singer Roger Whittaker. The over 60 million records sold worldwide over a career spanning more than 40 years, is a testament to Whittaker's gift and appeal. So too his expert whistling," Kalonzo said
"Whittaker often spoke of how much Kenya's "wonderful drumming and infectious rhythms" greatly influenced his songwriting. His 1982 record titled 'A Musical Safari - My Land Is Kenya' captivatingly celebrated this connection. "...But everybody liveth has one place he was born. And mine is Kenya... You'll always stay with me here in my heart," Whittaker wrote and sang."
Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi also mourned Roger saying his contribution to the music industry will be cherished for years.
"My heartfelt condolences on the passing of the legendary country music singer, Roger Whittaker. Born in Kenya, Roger Whittaker's soothing music touched the hearts of millions worldwide," Mudavadi stated
"His contributions to the music industry will always be cherished. His 1982 hit song "MY LAND IS KENYA" played a significant role in promoting Kenya as a breathtaking tourist destination. May his soul rest in peace."
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