The death of Solomon Manori, a legendary Kalenjin secular artist, closes a chapter of a musician whose music transcended class, religion and generations.
For over 60 years, his music has ruled the airwaves in Kalenjin radio stations and are a favourite during family and cultural events by the community members.
Manori, in his active days, entertained Presidents – Daniel Moi (deceased), Mwai Kibaki (deceased), Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto , former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka in various stages.
Always dressed in his traditional hat concealing a well-shaven head with grey hair, pierced and dangling ear lobes, a favourite grey checkered coat, striped grey shirt, a black pair of trousers, black shoes shined to glass like sheen, and a baton that would single him out in a crowd – he was trend setter in many forms.
Manori is known for his rhumba music with a blend of rock that carries deep messages and proverbs, which will now be passed on to current and future generations.
He died on Monday after being critically ill for five months, most of which he was bedridden at AGC Tenwek hospital.
Mr Daniel Chelogoi, Mzee Manori’s eldest son, confirmed that the legendary musician died at his home on May 5, 2025 at the age of 86 – per the official record, but he could have been older than that with reference to artists of his generation.
“He fell sick on January 6, 2025, at home in Chemaner village, Bomet East constituency and was rushed to Longisa County Referral hospital for treatment, but was referred to AGC Tenwek hospital for specialized treatment” Mr Chelogoi said.
Mr Chelogoi also confirmed that for five months, Manori was unable to speak and was variously in and out of the life support system in hospital.
On Monday, his situation deteriorated and he collapsed and died after taking his mid-day meal at home where he was under the care of family members.
The body is lying at Longisa County Referral Hospital Mortuary awaiting burial. His love ballads, though recorded decades ago, carried a deep message to his audience and contemporary society.
Leaders, residents and fellow musicians have joined the family in mourning the departed musician who belted all-time hits dating back to the late 1960s.
“Manori was not just a true legend, a father of melodies and a voice that echoed the heartbeat of the Kalenjin land” Pastor Joel Kimetto, a renowned gospel singer stated.
Some of the songs he belted, Maendeleo Kobo Chitugul and Tarigit Akenge Arawani Bo Taman, Pastor Kimetto reminisced in his tribute to a fellow artist, though of different genre of music, as having, “awakened generation, challenged systems, and inspired change across and beyond the hills of Rift Valley.”
Kenderwa Maiywa, Taputany, Sekutiet, Chepkunyuk, Chepkorir, Cheplakwet, Emenyon Koloo, Kilyan Ooh Shemeji, Chepelisia, Lakwet Chebore, Tulwenyon Tindiret, Narachek - are some of the songs he recorded and which went on to be all-time hits.
“He was not just a musician but a prophet with a voice, a teacher through lyrics, and a mirror to our society,” Pastor Kimetto said in a moving tribute to the fallen legend.” Pastor Kimetto said, “Manori sang, not just to entertain, but to plant wisdom, culture, and courage deep within us. Though he has rested, his voice will continue to sing in our hearts.”
Manori, a towering figure, was not only a legendary musician but athletics and football fan.
“He loved the game of pool and would pick any challenge from the young, the middle-aged and the elderly just to prove a point that despite his advanced age, he was unbeatable,” Mr William Langat Beliot, a former civic leader and close friend of the fallen musician, said.
In a past interview with this writer, Manori stated that his dalliance with music dates back to the 1960s when he was a plant operator in Tinderet (Nandi county and Kipkelion (Kericho county).
“Most of the music I have composed and recorded over the years have an attachment to real-life situations, some of which I personally went through and used as life lessons,” Manori said, on the sidelines of playing pool at the Reminisce Club at Wilsons Airport, Nairobi.
Manori, whose mastery of the pool game at his age, puzzled fellow youthful businessmen and professionals of all cadres who patronized the club, challenged him to a “money game”, with the majority of his opponents losing big.
Back at home, Manori operated a small bar at Chemaner trading centre, with his wife – Alice Chemurer - whom he publicly professed his love for to the amusement of the youth. Here.
He also played pool with revellers and swapped stories at the joint he operated. It was more of his office than a bar, as this is where he transacted most of his business and social undertakings.
“His music resonated with many and, and his legacy will inspire future generations. He was in a class of his own in the music industry,” Bomet Senator Hillary Sigei said.
But, like many musicians of his time, he did not enjoy the fruits of his labour as the rights to their work were retained by the producer, Chandarana Studios in Kericho town, with a proprietor of Asian origin having repeatedly been accused of exploiting the artists from the region.
It was through their ignorance that the elderly musicians, who sang not for financial gain, but to pass a message and preserve the culture and tradition of the Kalenjin community, surrendered their rights and were paid peanuts by the producer.
The music recording house that operated into the early 2000s, with a reclusive businessman running it, has since closed shop with a failed attempt by several musicians to reclaim their rights.
“A true legend has rested. Manori has taken his last breath and it is a blow to the society that looked up to him for advice. He was a peacemaker and a leader in his own right,” Former Bomet Governor Isaac Ruto said.
Mr Ruto, the vice chairman of the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), said, “Manori was in the league of the late Kipchamba Tapotuk who used their voices and platform to root for justice, socio-economic development.”
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot said Manori “was not just an ordinary musician. He composed timeless songs that spoke to the hearts and defied every known or imagined bounds.”
“The fact that his evergreen compositions remain relevant to date and offer invaluable lessons on life and social commentary attests to his unrivalled legacy and confirms his legendary status,” Mr Cheruiyot said.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
Mr Cheruiyot who is also the Kericho Senator, said, “Manori was indeed a towering, influential figure in our community and beyond…His memories shall forever remain to soothe our hearts and music continues to stimulate our minds”
“Though I am saddened by his loss, I take comfort in the fact that he touched hearts and provoked minds through his rare craft and gift in music” Mr Cheruiyot said.
Emurua Dikirr MP Johana Ngeno said, “Manori is a legend in the music industry and whose talent remains a living legacy in the cultural heritage of the Kalenjin community”
“Manori was a man whose voice echoed through generations carrying deep wisdom, social commentary and powerful messages that transcended time, touching the lives of both the young and the elderly in society,” Mr Ngeno said.
“His artistry was not just a reflection of talent, but of purpose, using melody and word to unite, uplift and inform. As a cultural ambassador, he preserved our heritage and reminded us of who we are” Mr Ngeno stated in his tribute.
Dr Michael Cheruiyot Bongei said, “Manori’s powerful voice and dedication to preserving our tradition has left a lasting legacy in the Kalenjin music scene”
“His music and cultural impact touched countless lives and shaped the society, reminding those in power of the need to tirelessly work to improve the socio-economic status of the people they lead,” Dr Bongei stated.
As the founder of the Chemaner band, Manori was one of the living crops of the grandfathers of secular music in the Kalenjin community – a group that is fast diminishing.
