Kenyan singer Iyanii has recounted a harrowing experience from his younger days that nearly cost him his life. Speaking on the Mic Cheque podcast, the “Donjo Maber” hitmaker revealed how a night out with friends in Mathare turned chaotic, leading to him being shot without knowing it at the time. The revelation has sparked widespread reactions across social media.
Iyanii explained that during his youth, he often spent time with friends involved in criminal activities. One night, a casual outing to enjoy reggae music went wrong when one of his friends snatched a woman’s bag without his knowledge. The woman screamed for help, and Iyanii and his friends fled, prompting a police chase. During the chaos, Iyanii was unknowingly shot. He recalled, “I ran and sat in the Dandora matatus, and that is when this lady looked at me and told me that I was bleeding. That is when it hit me that I had been shot. I almost died because of someone else’s mistakes.” He showed the hosts the bullet mark on his arm as proof of the incident.
Despite the danger, Iyanii admitted he found it hard to distance himself from his friends, as they had grown up together. He even joked that one of his friends, despite involvement in crime, had helped him acquire his first phone in high school. The experience, however, motivated him to focus on music, a path that has brought him success over the past two years, including his latest collaboration with Dufla.
Iyanii also revealed that witnessing the consequences of crime among his peers has fueled his interest in charity work, particularly in prisons. He aims to guide young people away from risky lifestyles and provide support to those who have strayed.
The story generated a flurry of reactions online. Netizens expressed shock, disbelief, and relief that Iyanii survived. Comments included praise for his resilience and gratitude that he had chosen a safer path through music. One fan wrote, “When you think about it, it is possible, when you don’t, it is also possible. All I have to say is thank God you are here.”
In addition to this near-death experience, Iyanii opened up about personal values during the same interview. He revealed that a woman once offered him KSh 3 million to give up his purity, an offer he declined, emphasizing his commitment to remain faithful until marriage. Iyanii, who is in a relationship with Instagram model Shes Kemunto, highlighted that his principles remain a guiding force in his life despite the challenges he faced in youth.
The singer’s reflections provide insight into the difficult choices and life-changing moments that shaped his path. His story underscores the impact of environment, friendship, and personal decisions on the trajectory of young lives in Kenya.
