DJ Krowbar’s Wife, Joyce Wanjiru, Passes Away After Brave Battle
The family of renowned gospel DJ Karumba Ngatia, popularly known as DJ Krowbar, has announced the death of his wife, Joyce Wanjiru Karumba, who passed away in the early hours of Monday morning after a prolonged illness.
In a family statement released on Monday, January 26, 2026, Joyce was reported to have died at around 3.00 a.m. after what relatives described as a courageous and faith-filled battle with illness that spanned several months.
According to the statement, Joyce had undergone a kidney transplant in mid-2025, a procedure that initially showed signs of success and renewed hope for her recovery. However, complications later emerged, significantly affecting her health in the months that followed.
The family disclosed that towards the end of 2025, Joyce developed a serious infection that required intensive medical attention. She later responded positively to treatment and was discharged home, a moment that brought optimism to her loved ones. Sadly, her condition deteriorated again in recent weeks, leading to her re-admission to hospital shortly before her passing.
Throughout her illness, Joyce was remembered for her resilience, deep faith, and unwavering strength, attributes that family members say defined her final months and inspired those around her.
Affectionately known as “Joy,” she was described as a devoted wife, a loving mother, and a woman of strong conviction whose life touched many people beyond her immediate family circle.
She is survived by her husband, DJ Karumba, and their three children — Toria, Riri, and Imani.
In their message, the family expressed profound sorrow at the loss while affirming their faith as a source of comfort during the difficult period.
“While we are deeply saddened by this profound loss, we find comfort knowing she is now at perfect peace,” the statement read in part.
The family also appealed for prayers, love, and understanding from the public as they mourn, requesting privacy as they come to terms with the loss of their loved one.
They further expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from friends, members of the public, and the media since news of Joyce’s passing emerged.
“We are grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support during this trying time,” the family said, adding that funeral and burial arrangements were still being finalised and would be communicated in due course.
DJ Krowbar is a well-known figure in Kenya’s gospel music scene, celebrated for his role in promoting gospel music through events, radio platforms, and live performances. News of Joyce’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from fellow artists, church leaders, fans, and public figures, many of whom have taken to social media to share messages of sympathy and encouragement.
Joyce Wanjiru Karumba’s death adds to a series of losses of prominent and widely respected Kenyans that marked 2025 and carried into the new year, reigniting conversations around health challenges, organ transplants, and the emotional toll of prolonged illness on families.
As the Karumba family prepares to lay Joyce to rest, supporters across the country continue to rally around them, offering prayers and words of comfort in honour of a woman remembered for her faith, love, and quiet strength.
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DJ Krowbar’s Wife, Joyce Wanjiru, Passes Away After Brave Battle
