The deaths that shook Kenya in 2025

A photo collage of (L-R) the late Cyrus Jirongo, Raila Odinga, and Ngugi wa Thiong'o. [File, Standard] In 2025, death claimed many lives that shaped Kenya's politics, culture, and public life. Families across the country endured loss, bidding final goodbyes to people who defined eras and inspired generations. What remains are the legacies they leave behind. From politics and religion to academia, human rights, arts, and sports, Kenya lost some of its most influential sons and daughters. Raila Odinga (1945-2025, aged 80) Raila Odinga, one of Kenya's most consequential political figures, died on October 15, a day many described as "Black Wednesday," closing a defining chapter in the country's democratic history. Doctors in India, where he died, said the cause was cardiac arrest. A towering political figure for nearly four decades, Odinga carved his own path beyond the shadow of his father, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, Kenya's first vice president. At times a government insider, and in the opposition trenches at most times, he came close to being President but often fell short, including in 2022, hence his reference as 'The President we never had' or 'The people's president'. His legacy includes the struggle for multiparty democracy, the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution with its strong human rights protections, devolution, and the entrenchment of democratic norms. He also founded the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), now more than 20 years old. Odinga's repeated decision to challenge election outcomes in court helped strengthen public trust in the judiciary and set precedents on the resolution of presidential election disputes. He was also known for his political reconciliations with former rivals, including presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta, and William Ruto. The government declared seven days of national mourning and accorded him a state funeral with full military honours. His body lay in state at Parliament Buildings, and he was posthumously awarded the Chief of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya's highest honour, typically reserved for Heads of State. Global leaders, including former US President Barack Obama, sent condolences. His death eclipsed many other deaths of current and former politicians, including former cabinet minister Dalmas Otieno (September 7), Isiolo South MP Tubi Bidu Mohamed (November 12), and former Malava MP Malulu Injendi (February 17). Pope Francis (1936-2025, aged 88) The Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis on April 21, during the Easter holiday. "At 7.35 AM this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was devoted to service to the Lord and His Church," said the Holy See's Press Office. Pope Francis had battled pneumonia and spent extended periods in hospital in his final years. Francis' papacy sought to engage with the lived realities of the faithful and to address issues that long divided the Catholic Church. He preached inclusion, allowed blessings for same-sex couples, permitted baptism for transgender people, opened the door to communion for divorced and remarried Catholics, and authorised women to serve in senior Vatican roles, moves that drew opposition from conservatives within and beyond the Church. Millions of Kenyans identifying as Catholics joined in mourning the Pope. Visitors and mourners pay their respects to the body of Pope Francis one last time inside St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, on April 25, 2025. [AFP] His funeral was attended by global leaders, including US Vice President JD Vance and President William Ruto, to witness the spectacular display of age-old traditions of Roman Catholic rituals. The world was thereafter treated to the Conclave process that led to the election of Pope Leo. Ngugi wa Thiong'o (1938-2025, aged 87) Ngugi wa Thiong'o, Kenya's most celebrated literary figure, died of age-related complications, including kidney problems, leaving behind a body of work that will endure for generations. A global literary icon, Ngugi used fiction and theatre to challenge injustice, often at great personal cost. His activism led to detention and forced him and his family into decades-long exile in the United Kingdom and the United States during the Moi era. Their return in 2004 was marred by a violent attack, pushing the family back into exile. His cremation in the United States, where he died, sparked debate in Kenya, with some calling for burial in accordance with Gikuyu tradition. Among his best-known works are Weep Not, Child (1964), The River Between (1965), A Grain of Wheat (1967), I Will Marry When I Want (1997) and The Perfect Nine (2020). Wafula Chebukati (1961-2025, aged 64) Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati was a polarising figure who earned both admiration and criticism. For six years, he led the electoral agency and played the referee for two high-stakes presidential contests that ended at the Supreme Court. In 2017, he declared Uhuru Kenyatta the winner of the presidential election, handing him a second term after a repeat election boycotted by the opposition, and announced William Ruto the president-elect. In both cases, Raila Odinga disputed the results. After leaving office, Chebukati retreated from public life. He died on February 20 after a battle with brain cancer. Cyrus 'Moneybags' Jirongo (1961-2025, aged 64) Businessman and politician Cyrus Shakhalaga Khwa Jirongo died in a road crash on December 13. His death remains under investigation, with police probing possible dangerous driving by the driver of a Climax PSV bus that collided with his car at Karai on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. Jirongo rose to prominence during the 1992 election, when he led a youthful campaign team for President Daniel arap Moi. The group included William Ruto, now president. His flamboyant campaign style earned him the nickname "Moneybags," and the Sh500 note was famously nicknamed "Jirongo" after allegations of cash handouts to voters. Controversy followed him in politics, business, and private life. Phoebe Asiyo (1932-2025, aged 93) Phoebe Asiyo, a pioneering women's rights activist, died while visiting family in North Carolina, the United States. Her son, Caesar Asiyo, said she had suffered a stroke. 'Mama Asiyo,' as she was fondly called, was a trailblazer in the fight for women's rights, especially during her tenure as the chairperson of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake from 1958. Between 1980 and 1983, Asiyo joined parliament to represent Karachuonyo constituency. She was re-elected in 1992. In 1997, she tabled a motion in parliament demanding affirmative action to get more women into leadership, and is also credited for the push for a two-thirds gender rule that is now enshrined in the constitution. The late Phoebe Asiyo. [File, Standard] The government accorded her a state funeral. Justice Mohammed Ibrahim (1956-2025, aged 69) Supreme Court Judge Mohammed Ibrahim died on December 17 after a prolonged illness. The first advocate from the Kenyan Somali community, Ibrahim, used his position to champion the rights of minorities. He was appointed to the inaugural bench of the Supreme Court following the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution. His death while still serving is expected to set a precedent on the replacement of a sitting Supreme Court judge. He was buried at Kariokor Muslim Cemetery. Prof Bethwell Allan Ogot (1929-2025, aged 95) The Kenyan academia lost a towering historian whose work reshaped the study of African and East African history. A researcher, Professor Ogot, retraced the migration of the Luo people into Kenya. While not in the field, he taught in leading universities like the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta, Maseno, and Makerere. He later served as Chancellor of Moi University. Betty Bayo (1985-2025, aged 40) Gospel singer Betty Bayo, born Beatrice Wairimu Mbugua, died on November 10, shocking fans across the country. Known for uplifting hits, she also sparked debate by openly challenging some Christian norms, including teachings on divorce. Her public separation from pastor Victor Kanyari, with whom she had two children, and her later marriage to Hiram Gitau drew widespread attention. Her mother called for investigations into her death, alleging possible foul play. The matter is headed to court in 2026. The arts and culture scene also lost actor Bilal Njau, popular for roles in hit TV shows such as Tahidi High and Jela Five Star, among others. Leonard Mambo Mbotela (1940-2025, aged 85) Veteran broadcaster Leonard 'Mambo' Mbotela died on February 7, 2025, deepening a year of losses in the media industry. With a career spanning 58 years, he was Kenya's longest-serving broadcaster. He was on air during the 1982 coup attempt and was forced by mutineers to announce the overthrow of the government. He later became synonymous with the radio show Je, huu ni ungwana?, which was adapted for television. His burial at Lang'ata Cemetery sparked debate about changing burial traditions. Other media and television figures who died in 2025 include Rasna Warah (January 11), CGTN's Nick Mudimba (March 23), Spice FM's Edward Kwach (April 28), Charles Omuga Kabisae (August 11), former Citizen and NTV journalist Kimani Mbugua (October 14), KBC's Mayienga FM head Festus Amimo (December 7), and Standard Group videographer Rashid Idi (December 25). Gangland-style city murders This year was also marked by a spate of brazen assassinations in Nairobi, often carried out by gunmen on motorcycles. Kasipul MP Charles Ong'ondo Were was shot dead on April 30 at the City Mortuary roundabout on Ngong Road. The attackers struck as traffic stopped at a red light, killing him in what police described as a targeted attack. Five suspects are on trial. A similar killing occurred on September 9, when prominent city lawyer Kyalo Mbobu was gunned down inside his vehicle on Magadi Road in Karen. Investigations are ongoing, with no arrests or charges so far. Slain lawyer Kyalo Mbobu. [File, Standard] Beyond the deaths of prominent figures, countless Kenyan families mourned loved ones lost to illness, accidents, floods, protests, and police brutality.

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