In a poignant and deeply personal revelation, Marcus Ojiambo of the celebrated music group Matata has spoken for the first time about his past romantic relationship with Ruth Kamande, who was sentenced to death in 2018 for the murder of her boyfriend. In a recent interview, Marcus offered a glimpse into a past that connects him to one of Kenya’s most tragic and widely publicized criminal cases, sharing a story of young love that ended long before tragedy struck.
"It's a true story. Ruth Kamande was my first love... My first girlfriend," he stated, a line that immediately captured the attention of listeners and gave a personal dimension to a story that has long been defined by its tragic outcome. Their story began in Nairobi's Dandora estate, a place where their youthful connection blossomed into a genuine friendship and a deep bond.
Marcus painted a picture of a close relationship, even describing Kamande, who was a black belt in Taekwondo at the time, as someone who was once very dear to him. He emphasized the depth of their connection, noting, "We were genuine friends. She could even sleep over at our home." This description of a close, trusting relationship stands in stark contrast to the violent crime she would later be convicted of, making the story even more shocking.
However, like many young relationships, theirs eventually soured. Marcus disclosed that their breakup was due to infidelity on her part. "She used to listen to me a lot but then she betrayed me," he explained. The betrayal led to their separation, with Marcus moving on to pursue her cousin. This painful chapter of his life would later be overshadowed by the devastating news that would follow.
Years after their breakup, news broke that Kamande had been involved in a violent altercation that led to the death of her then-boyfriend, Farid Mohammed. The news came as a profound shock to Marcus. "I was shocked," he recalled, struggling to reconcile the person he knew—a black belt in Taekwondo and his first love—with the heinous crime she was accused of.
