Paul Mwandembo, a long-serving member of the legendary Maroon Commandos band, is dead.

According to information shared on the band’s official Facebook page, Mwandembo, who sang with the military outfit for over two decades, passed away on October 31st after a period of illness.

Mwandembo joined the military in 1975 and served in B Company at Lang’ata Barracks for 25 years before retiring with the rank of Corporal. During his time with the Maroon Commandos, he distinguished himself as both a composer and a vocalist, and is best remembered for writing "Dawa Nimuone Hani", one of the group’s most popular songs.

He will be laid to rest on November 7th at his rural home in Taita.

Formed in 1968, the Maroon Commandos is a military band based at Lang’ata Barracks in Nairobi. The band was established when Lt. Colonel Wambua sought to combine music and discipline within the army by recruiting talented musicians such as Habel Kifoto, who went on to lead the group, and others, including David Kibe, Laban Ochuka, and Tuesday Oguro.

The group rose to prominence in the late 1970s, recording timeless hits such as "Charonyi Ni Wasi" and "Riziki Haivutwi Kwa Kamba". These songs cemented the band’s reputation as one of Kenya’s most iconic and enduring musical ensembles.

To date, the Maroon Commandos remain active, performing at military functions and occasionally entertaining civilian audiences in clubs and public events. The death of Paul Mwandembo marks the loss of yet another pillar of the celebrated group’s golden era.

By Jerome Ogola