Artists and colleagues are set to gather at the National Museums of Kenya for Patrick ‘Panye’ Mukabi’s commemorative event on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM. It will feature a candlelighting evening, live music, tributes, a screening, and live-streamed reflections from collaborators and friends.
A bonfire memorial was held on Tuesday evening at the same venue. The event featured shared memories, informal tributes, and a mural painting session in honour of the artist who passed away on 23 March 2026.
Mukabi’s colleagues continue to describe him as a central figure in Nairobi’s contemporary art scene, credited not only for his artistic output but also for cultivating a generation of artists who passed through his studio spaces.
Several Kenyan artists have created tribute artworks, including Yegonizer, Michael Angelo, and Nairobi Sketch Tour. Yegonizer, who met Mukabi in 2010 at his GoDown Art Centre studio, created a portrait to honour his enduring artistic legacy.
“When I met him, I was immediately moved by his powerful work and dedication to mentoring the next generation. He revolutionised the art scene through his masterful creations and his selfless commitment to guiding others,” Yegonizer says.
He adds that Mukabi leaves the art community with a profound challenge to continue his mission of inspiring and mentoring young talent.
“I will always remember him as a joyful, approachable, and truly selfless artist,” he says.
Mukabi, widely described by peers as the “Gentle Giant”, is being remembered for his distinctive charcoal practice, mentorship of emerging artists, and his long-standing commitment to giving access to his studio spaces for young artists.
Colleagues have also highlighted his soft-spoken nature, humour, and willingness to support artists regardless of background or formal training.
Artist Nadia Wamunyu, who met Mukabi at the age of 17, described him as a formative influence in her personal and artistic development.
“His studio became my sanctuary. He saw my potential before I fully understood it myself,” she says.
Wamunyu noted that Mukabi’s studio functioned as an open space for emerging artists, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, and that he actively supported their development.
She recalls Mukabi helping her through school, her growth as an artist, and personal challenges, and he would always urge her to keep painting, even when things were difficult.
She added that Mukabi’s openness about his own struggles made his mentorship meaningful.
“He spoke honestly about pain and resilience. That honesty influenced how many of us navigate our own lives and practices,” she says.
Wamunyu also highlighted his involvement in community-based art initiatives, including teaching children at ANIDAN Children’s Home in Lamu.
Visual artist Mbogo Weru, who met Mukabi in 2021 at Dust Depo Studio at the Railway Museum, recalls an encounter that marked the beginning of a lasting mentorship.
“I introduced myself, and he immediately had this way of making everyone comfortable. We saw him as a father figure,” he recalls fondly.
During his charcoal workshop last year, Mukabi told him not to be afraid and to tackle whatever comes, a piece of advice that has stayed with him.
The two later reconnected at Kuona Trust during a pop-up event, where Mukabi reportedly still remembered him and offered further critique and encouragement on his practice.