The media industry in Kenya has experienced a difficult year, mourning the loss of several prominent voices who have left an indelible mark on the airwaves and in newsrooms.
From veteran broadcasters to seasoned reporters, their passing has left a void in the hearts of many Kenyans.
Charles Omuga Kabisae
Just recently, the veteran KBC broadcaster Charles Omuga Kabisae passed away on August 11, following a long illness.
Kabisae was a familiar voice to many Kenyans, particularly for his distinctive delivery of special death announcements, famously known as “Matangazo Maalum Na Ya Vifo”.
He began his career at KBC’s Dholuo Service in Kisumu in the early 1980s.
Trevor Lamenya
On August 1, Kenya was thrown into mourning after the death of Automotive journalist, popularly known as Big Boy Trev. Trev passed away after a short illness, according to family and media sources.
Trev was best known as the charismatic host of Cars with Big Boy Trev, a 24-minute weekly automotive show that aired on NTV Kenya and previously on KTN.
Edward Kwach
Edward Kwach, a veteran radio host who worked at several stations, also passed away on April 28, at the age of 50.
His family confirmed that he died after a month-long battle with meningitis. Kwach’s voice was one of the most recognisable on the Kenyan airwaves since the late 1990s.
During his time in media, he worked for various media houses, including Radio Africa (Kiss FM), Nation Media Group (Nation FM); Capital FM, Homeboyz Radio, EA FM, and Standard Media Group (Spice FM).
Ben Ogodo
The media fraternity also mourned the loss of Ben Ochieng Ogodo, who died suddenly on April 17 at the age of 64.
A pioneer in African science and environmental journalism, Ogodo was the East Africa editor for the publication Mongabay.
According to his family, he experienced severe chest pain and was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital. He had been in good spirits the night before, watching a football match.
Ogodo was a veteran science journalist who had worked for both local and international media houses.
He worked for years at the Standard Media Group and also at CGTN.
Silas Apollo
Silas Apollo, a reporter for the Nairobi Law Monthly, died on April 10. An autopsy revealed that he succumbed to blunt force trauma to the head and broken ribs after being struck by a speeding vehicle.
Police believe he was hit while crossing Kiambu Road. Apollo was known for his work as a serious current affairs scribe and investigator.
Apollo, who served in both the print and broadcast divisions of NMG, specialised in politics, current affairs, and business reporting. He had about a decade of experience in the media industry.
Nick Mudimba
Celebrated Kenyan journalist Nick Mudimba passed away on March 23 after collapsing at his home in Syokimau, Machakos County.
The CGTN Africa journalist who had reportedly been sick was with his family at the time he collapsed and passed away.
Mudimba, a respected journalist, has a storied career in the media field, having previously worked for KTN and Switch TV before joining CGTN Africa as a senior reporter.
KBC and Radio Lake Victoria Journalists
The KBC family also lost reporter Fredrick Parsayo on March 21. He was found dead at his home in Kinoo under unknown circumstances.
In Kisumu, journalist Fofona Bangali, who worked for ‘Idhaa Ya Radio Lake Victoria,’ was found lifeless in his house on March 28.
Njoroge Mwaura
Veteran news anchor Njoroge Mwaura, formerly of KTN News, passed away on February 24 at the age of 74.
His wife, Lucy Njoroge, confirmed that he died after developing complications following surgery at a Nairobi hospital. Mwaura was known for his eloquent news presentation and in-depth reporting.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela
The year began with the passing of legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who died on February 7 at the age of 84 after a short illness.
Mbotela, a household name, retired from KBC in 2022 after an incredible 58 years on air. He was best known for his signature programme “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” on KBC Radio Taifa and TV.
by moses sagwe
