Kenyan entertainment industry has once again been plunged into a period of mourning following the sudden death of actor Bilal Wanjau.
Wanjau, popularly known as “Webster Jnr,” died on Thursday, December 4, 2025. He was celebrated for his versatile talent across television, film, and theatre. The actor was also known professionally as ‘Afande Kasoro’.
He was the son of Ibrahim Bilali, a retired Olympic flyweight boxer who won a bronze medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Olympics.
A Career Defined by Comedy
Bilal Wanjau Ibrahim was a familiar face in Kenyan media. He gained widespread recognition as ‘Junior’ in the NTV commercials Utahama Lini in 2011 and Utahama Roundi Hii in 2013.
Wanjau noted that this commercial provided his breakthrough around 2009. Earlier in his career, he had started as an extra in a show called Wash and Set.
Wanjau featured in several prominent Kenyan productions. On television, he played a bursar in Tahidi High. He also appeared in the KTN series Gavana.
In 2018, he became famous for his role as the prison guard, Kasoro Bin Kasoro, in the show Jela 5 Star.
His other television credits include Bazenga, Pepeta, and Lies That Bind. He was also known for his directing work and featured in a Bollywood film.
Roots in Stage and Recognised Talent
In a past interview, Wanjau revealed that his passion for acting began during his secondary school years. By Form Three, he was already writing and directing scripts.
He often credited his family for his artistic inclination. He explained that he inherited the acting gene from his mother, who was a good actor, and his father.
“I inherited the gene from my family. My mum is a good actor. Dad is also one, but he decided to take his acting skills to boxing. As early as Form Three, I had started writing scripts and directing them as well,” he said during the interview with Citizen TV.
Wanjau was an acclaimed stage actor who often performed set books such as Utengano. He saw stage work as a crucial platform for actors to be moulded into their best form.
“My first breakthrough, however, came when the main character had issues with the administration. Luckily, I had mastered his lines, and this is how I filled the gap. Immediately, after I did my final KCSE examinations, my high school director invited me to join his team in a set book performance.”Top of FormBottom of Form
His work earned him high praise within the industry. In 2017, he won a Kalasha Award in the Best Performance in a Comedy category. Wanjau often spoke about the need for local support.
Health Battle and Final Rites
The talented actor passed away at the Kenyatta National Hospital. His death was caused by complications arising from diabetes.
According to reports, in the time leading up to his passing, he was battling type 2 diabetes, pneumonia, and a persistent leg wound.
Bilal Wanjau will be laid to rest quickly, according to Muslim rites. The burial is scheduled to take place on Friday, December 5, 2025, at his family’s home in Machakos.
by moses sagwe
