Tributes are pouring in for popular Kenyan musician Joseph Kamuru following his death at the age of 79 at a hospital in the capital, Nairobi.

He had been diagnosed with Parkinson's, and this was believed to be the main cause of his death, his son Stephen Maina told Kenya's Daily Nation newspaper.

Kamuru sang in the Kikuyu language, and was famous for hits such as Tiga Kuhenia Igoti (Don’t Lie to the Court), which focused on rape and sexual harassment long before they became issues of major public concern, Kenya's Standard newspaper reported.

President Uhuru Kenyatta said he was one of the most popular musicians in the 1980s.

“He recorded nearly 2,000 songs addressing morality and offering life teachings. The songs stamped his status as a Kikuyu music legend who touched the hearts of music lovers with classic hits such as Gathoni and Charia Ungi,” Mr Kenyatta said in a statement.

“He was a courageous Kenyan who used his music talent to implore those in authority to fulfil their mandate by heeding to the voice of the masses,” the president added.

His deputy, William Ruto, led the tributes on Twitter:

Kamaru was a father figure to many musicians, whom he took under his wing, helped them record and publish their songs. His place in Kenya's folklore is assured. We mourn a great musician. Condolences to his family, friends and the music fraternity. Rest In Peace.

— William Samoei Ruto (@WilliamsRuto) 4 October 2018

RIP Njamba ya ruriri, Joseph Kamaru wa Wanjiru: Your music will live for ever. I am sure you will continue to entertain them in heaven. pic.twitter.com/ngap0DNCJN

— g g kimotho (@ggkimotho) 4 October 2018

"You might forget about me in the years after, but never forget the things I taught you." _ Joseph Kamaru#RIPKamaru pic.twitter.com/1fgutIsCaf

— Kibugu Mwangi (@kibugu_mwangi) 4 October 2018