President William Ruto signed a condolence book in honour of the Right Honourable Raila Odinga at the State House in Nairobi. Members of the Executive will also sign the condolence book. This is one of many events organised to celebrate and reflect on the life of Hon. Odinga.
The year 2025 has been difficult for Kenya and the wider African community, marked by the loss of influential figures across politics, literature, media, sports and grassroots activism. As the year draws to a close, we pause to remember some of those whose work, voice and presence left an indelible mark on national life.
Kenya's Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga leaves after a ceremony in the Hall of Remembrance at the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem, November 13, 2011.
Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister and opposition giant
Raila Odinga passed away in India on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80. A central figure in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy, he served as Prime Minister from 2008 to 2013 and remained a towering voice in opposition politics for decades. His death was mourned nationwide, with many remembering him as “a giant of democracy” whose influence shaped Kenya’s political landscape.
Prof Ngugi wa Thiong'o holds a copy of his autobiography titled Dreams in a Time of War. It was launched in Nairobi on August 19, 2010.
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, renowned writer and champion of African identity
On May 28, 2025, the literary world bid farewell to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, who died at 87 in the United States. More than a novelist and playwright, Ngũgĩ was a cultural warrior. Early in his career, he wrote in English, but he later made a deliberate shift to his native Gĩkũyũ, championing African languages and identity. His work – spanning novels, essays, plays, and memoirs- explored colonial legacies, post-independence inequalities, and the quest for dignity and authenticity.
News of Ngũgĩ's death prompted an outpouring of tributes across Kenya and beyond. To many, he embodied integrity, courage, and the power of words as instruments of justice.
Leonard Mambo Mbotela
Kenyan broadcasting lost one of its most recognisable voices in early February. Affectionately known as Majay, Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away on 7 February 2025. His shows, which were rooted in moral discourse and national reflection, shaped cultural conversations for decades. Through radio and television, his voice became part of the daily rhythm of Kenyan life, and his death marked the end of an era in national broadcasting.
Zakaria Kariuki a.k.a KK Mwenyewe
Zakaria Kariuki (KK Mwenyewe)
On July 15, 2025, the country mourned the death of young comedian Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe, who passed away at Kiambu Level 5 Hospital after a brief illness. KK’s satirical skits, often mimicking political figures, captured the frustrations and humour of a new generation of Kenyans navigating a rapidly changing social and political landscape. His passing sparked national reflection on the pressures faced by young content creators.
Paul Koigi a.k.a Shalkido.
Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui (Shalkido), Gengetone and mugithi artist
In October of 2025, Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, stage name Shalkido, died following a motorbike accident along Thika Road. A rising voice in Kenya’s urban gengetone and mugithi scene, Shalkido had steadily built a following among youth. At the time of his passing, he was reinventing his music and exploring new creative directions — a tragic end for a talent with much potential.
Regina Muthoni, gospel music icon
The gospel scene lost one of its cherished voices on October 2, 2025 when Regina Muthoni was found dead at her home in Githurai 44. Known for songs like “Yesu Ulishinda”, her music carried messages of hope, faith, and resilience, resonating with believers across generations. Her passing left a void in Kenya’s gospel ministry and among fans who found solace in her songs.
Former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati speaks to the media at the Bomas of Kenya on August 10, 2022.
Wafula Chebukati, former IEBC Chairperson
On February 20, 2025, Kenya lost Wafula Chebukati, former Chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). He oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections and was the first IEBC chair to serve a full six-year term from 2017 to 2023. His death drew tributes across the political spectrum, with many remembering him as a “diligent leader” whose stewardship of elections marked a key chapter in Kenya’s democratic journey.
Former NTV reporter Silas Apollo.
Silas Apollo, former NMG journalist
In April 2025, Kenya lost Silas Apollo, a respected journalist whose reporting had shaped public discourse for approximately a decade. His sudden death in a road accident left a void in media circles and served as a reminder of the fragility of life. Colleagues remember him as a principled reporter with a deep commitment to truth and accountability.
Teacher Albert Ojwang who mysteriously died in a police cell.
Albert Omondi Ojwang, teacher
Albert Omondi Ojwang, a young teacher and outspoken blogger, died in June 2025 while in police custody. His death sparked nationwide protests, reigniting conversations on human rights, police accountability, and freedom of expression.
Hezekiah Nyamau (left) and Charles Asati on September 8, 2025 at Nyamau's home in Nyaguta, Nyaribari Chache, Kisii County.
Munyoro Nyamau, Olympic gold-medalist and athletics legend
Kenya’s sports fraternity mourned the passing of Hezekiah “Munyoro” Nyamau in October 2025. An Olympic 4×400 m relay gold-medalist from the 1972 Munich Games, Nyamau helped put Kenya on the global athletics map. His death marked the end of an era and reminded Kenyans of the legacy of trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.
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