In 2004, Nas and Quan’s Just A Moment came out. The song, dedicated to brothers either incarcerated or dead, contained the lyrics, ‘As days comes and nights falls, for the rest of our life we’ll miss y’all, and even though life must go on, we’ll still mourn while wishin’ y’all were home.’
Just as the sun comes out every day, celebrities, who are humans first, will always die.
On the same weekend that the country lost veteran politician and businessman Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo through a road accident on the Nairobi - Nakuru highway, the literature world lost reclusive novelist Meja Mwangi in Malindi, where he was living.
Writing on the website Malindikenya.net, journalist, writer, performer, Malindi-based but Milan-born Freddie del Curatolo captured the impact of the Kill Me Quick and Going Down River Road writer, penning, “he left us the day before Jamhuri Day, as if to reiterate, for the umpteenth time, that he was always one step ahead. Even at the moment of farewell.”
Born David Dominic Mwangi, Meja’s fame was in capturing Nairobi’s crime and night life in a way that many had attempted but failed to do.
A week before Meja walked away, we also lost thespian, writer and lecturer David Mulwa, who was 80, after a long illness. Synonymous on the theatre stage as he was on TV, the stone-faced Mulwa was always the ‘African dad’ character.
With numerous awards and honours, Prof Mulwa is a true son of the Kenyan theatre space, a giant who lent his expertise in drama festivals, and sitting on boards that pushed the scene ahead.
2025 is also the year we lost the great African writer, government critic, self-exiled and Noble-worthy activist Ngugi wa Thiong’o, born James, in the United States, following a long illness that was witnessed globally.
His daughter, Wanjiku wa Ngugi, broke the news, and eulogized him, writing, “He lived a full life, fought a good fight. As was his last wish, let’s celebrate his life and his work.”
Bilal Wanjau
A supremely talented actor who was born to perform on the big stage, Bilal has been a prison officer (Jela 5 star), a student (Tahidi High), and the face of Utahama Lini, an advertising campaign where winners won houses.
He was funny, on stage, on camera, and in person, this writer having met him for an advertisement shoot. So funny that he was awarded the Best Performance in a Comedy, in the 2017 Kalasha Awards.
Bilal died at Kenyatta National Hospital while receiving treatment for type 2 diabetes, pneumonia and complications from a persistent leg wound. Rumours that he was on Ozempic, a prescription medication used for adults with type 2 diabetes to lower their blood sugar levels, for weight loss are unfounded.
Celebrating his impact, the Kenyan Film Commission posted, “We join the nation in mourning the loss of Bilal Wanjau, a gifted actor whose talent and dedication brought countless stories to life. We extend our condolences to his family and the entire creative community. May his legacy continue to inspire the storytellers of tomorrow.”
A heavyweight on screen and otherwise, he was the son of former Kenyan Olympic boxing bronze medallist Ibrahim “Surf” Bilal.
Betty Bayo
Born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, Betty Bayo is one our female gospel Mount Rushmore faces, alongside Gloria Muliro, Esther Wahome and Jemimah Thiong’o.
The 2014 Groove Award winner for best collaboration singer excelled at being a crossover singer, capturing a global audience while largely singing in her native Kikuyu. Her death came as a shock to many, who didn’t know she was battling advanced leukaemia.
Radio personality Maina Kageni wrote, “My most sincere condolences to the family, friends and her fans globally. Betty Bayo was a fine musician with a wonderful voice, immense talent and an amazing personality. This is a loss for the Kenyan music fraternity.’ Stalked by controversy in life and death, she had two children with controversial Pastor Victor Kanyari, who attended her burial and sat majestically next to her partner Hiram Gitau, AKA Tash.
Her own mother, Joyce Wairimu Mbugua, who has claimed that Betty had been suffering domestic abuse, has formally requested the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for an inquest on the superstar’s death.
KK Mwenyewe
The content creator, comedian and Computer Science student, born Zakaria Kariuki, died while receiving treatment at Kiambu level 5 hospital. Celebrated for his style, which was heavily influenced by politics and politicians, they came out to eulogize him for his originality.
Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, wrote, “This is tragic and sudden. Zachariah Kariuki (Mr KK Mwenyewe) was a very talented and creative comedian. We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family following his passing on.”
Busia Senator Okiya Omtata wrote; “Through satire and art, Mr. KK courageously held a mirror to society, using humor not to divide, but to awaken, educate, and unite. May his soul rest in peace, and may his light continue to inspire courage and creativity in those he leaves behind.”
Kimani Mbugua
Abandoned and ridiculed to his last breath, Kimani was many things, but one he wants, was being ignored. He died at a rehabilitation centre through suicide, and even the death of political giant Raila Odinga the next day could not push him to the back pages.
A trained and practicing journalist with an infectious smile, an arresting face and impeccable diction, the 29-year-old left behind a note that simply said he was tired of life.
Radio 99.2 FM wrote, “We’ve lost a voice, a brother, a journalist… His journey from national TV screens to struggling with bipolar disorder, substance use, and social rejection was one filled with pain but also a cry for help many never heard in time.”
Mike Sonko, who paid for his admission to the rehab centre, posted, ‘I send my deepest condolences to Kimani’s family, friends, and loved ones, praying that God grants them strength and comfort during this difficult time.’ His father, Dedan Kimathi, who appealed to Kenyans to help raise Sh 2.5 million to Kimani’s burial, said, “We are inviting everyone to honour Kimani. He touched many lives, and even in his pain, he wanted to bring people together.’
Leonard Mambo Mbotela
Eighty five and out, Mzee Mbotela is one of the most iconic media personalities, with a career that transcended radio and TV. His famous show Je Huu Ni Ungwana was an original concept that kept many glued.
He died of old age; his health having deteriorated in the last few years. When he finally retired in 2022, Mbotela was Kenya’s longest serving broadcaster, having been on air for an impressive 58 years.
After his death and burial at Langata cemetery, the Government, through the Department for Culture, the Arts and Heritage, State Department for Broadcasting and Telecommunications, the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation and the National Museums of Kenya amongst other stakeholders, announced plans to hold an exhibition in his honour.
Numerously awarded, and extensively honoured, his last was in 2023, when the then Youth Affairs and Sports CS Ababu Namwamba visited and presented Mbotela with his Hongera Award and a Sh 1 million cash prize for “his contribution to the nation.”
Veteran radio man, Fred Obachi Machoka, wrote; “The microphone has been switched off permanently! Rest well, big brother Mzee Leonard mambo Mbotela. It was (a) privilege knowing and working with you.”
Shalkido
With a new ‘senke’ in hand, not many would have predicted the genegetone artiste would die at the cockpit of his new acquisition, one he got through comedian and show host Obinna, intended to get him back to his feet.
Part of the famed Sailors Gang, which disintegrated though mismanagement and wrangles, Shalkido, born Kelvin Mburu was declared brain dead after a grizzly road accident on Thika Road.
Breaking the news about the situation, Obinna posted, ‘He has internal bleeding in the brain, in a lot of places, and so it is also swollen, meaning that it is inoperable.”
Nick Mudimba
A former colleague, the amiable Nick died after collapsing at his home in Syokimau. Machakos County. A sport fanatic, and journalist at CGTN Africa, Nick made his name at KTN and also worked at Switch TV.
KTN’s anchor News anchor Zubeida Kananu eulogized him, writing; “You were a joyful soul, deeply passionate about your work, incredibly talented, and had a big heart that embraced everyone. It’s hard to believe you’re gone Nick, but your kindness, laughter, and dedication will always be remembered.”
MC Fullstop
The entertainer, born John Maina, was a revered reggae MC and DJ celebrated for his infectious energy, booming voice, and larger-than-life stage presence. He passed away after decades of lighting up Kenya’s music scene after battling tuberculosis (TB), a struggle that tragically left him without his voice and his left lung.
For years, MC Fullstop was the lifeblood of dancehall nights a magnetic force behind the mic who could whip up a crowd into a frenzy with just a few words. None was more iconic than his chant: “Thika! Thika! Thika!” The phrase, the signature opening to one of his most popular mixes, became an anthem across the country’s dance floors.
Associated with the famed Supremacy Sounds DJ crew, his name became synonymous with pure, undiluted reggae and dancehall. He ruled the decks from the 1990s onwards, performing at countless events across Kenya and beyond.