The country has had very famous and largely loved Kenyan celebrities and public figures whose demise affected all of us personally.
Until their sad deaths, these Kenyan celebrities were icons, influential, kind, passionate, and change-makers in their respective industries.
In this article, we celebrate these Kenyan celebrities and more who are not listed, for their impact; we will always remember them.
1. E-sir
E-sir is still and forever will remain to be the most influential rapper in Kenya.
Famously known as South C’s Finest, he’s still in our hearts to date and his music lives on in our minds.
Issah Mmari was killed in a sad accident while traveling from Nairobi to Nakuru after attending a concert at Afraha Stadium in March 2003.
2. K-rupt
In November 2003, K-Rupt was reportedly shot and killed while riding a matatu from Nanyuki to Nakuru.
His passing shocked the entire nation. K-Rupt, like E-Sir, contributed to the development of the Kenyan music scene.
3. Ayeiya
After a horrific accident near Langata Road in Nairobi in April 2017, Emmanuel Makori Nyambane, also known as Ayeiya Poa Poa, died.
He was loved by many Kenyans and especially Churchill Show fans.
4. Janet Kanini Ikua
The news of Janet Kanini’s passing, which occurred after a grueling battle with lung cancer, pierced Kenya’s heart like a hot knife.
Many people were inspired by her battles with cancer, and it brought hope to those who were still suffering from the disease.
5. Peter Kaberere
Kaberere was talented and inspirational. His Gospel music gave hope to many, and many of the upcoming artists back then looked up to him.
After a tragic electricity accident at his car wash in April 2014, he passed away in Nairobi.
6. Wangare Maathai
On September 25, 2011, at the Nairobi Hospital, the famed Kenyan environmentalist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient passed away from ovarian cancer.
She started the Green Belt Movement and was the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
She was also a fierce environmental activist.
She was a legendary figure both domestically and abroad. She passed away aged at 71 years old.
7. Waweru Mburu
The former head of Radio Citizen and well-known host of the most-listened-to morning program, “Yaliyotendeka,” passed away on September 28, 2016, from gastric cancer at MP Shah Hospital.
Before entering the media profession, Waweru worked as a Kiswahili teacher.
In his later years, he planned to run for the Maragua Parliamentary seat.
8. Bishop Ben Bahati
After a horrifying car accident in Burnt Forest, Bishop Ben Bahati passed suddenly at a hospital. In addition to serving as a minister at Global Field Evangelism in Eldoret, Bishop Bahati was a gospel performer.
On November 3, 2014, a Monday night, he passed away from his wounds. Rufftone is one of the gospel singers who was influenced by Bishop Ben Bahati.
9. Mighty King Kong
The well-known dancehall performer who had the number-one song “Lady’s Choice” passed away on Christmas Day 2007 at the age of 34.
Mighty King Kong, real name Paul Otieno Imbaya, was taken ill at home and later passed away at Kenyatta National Hospital.
According to reports, the musician was poisoned before passing away.
10. Papa Shirandula
Legendary Charles Bukeko, also known as Papa Shirandula to many, passed away in 2020 as a result of complications from covid-19.
He passed away at the age of 58. He left behind three children and a widow.
11. Jastorina
After suffering meningitis, Nancy Nyambura Kanyanya, alias Jastorina, passed away in 2014.
She passed away only a few hours after winning the Kalasha Awards for Best Lead Actress in TV Drama.
Someone else accepted the honor on her behalf. She left two children behind.
Just hours after the actress departed unexpectedly, Jastorina’s mother also passed dead from shock. She could not handle the loss of her daughter.
12. Bob Collymore
Bob Collymore, a British businessman of Guyanese descent who managed Safaricom’s growth into the largest mobile network operator in East Africa, passed away in July 2019. Bob was loved by all citizens, like he was Kenyan-born.
The 61-year-old passed suddenly from cancer while at home in the morning, according to a statement from Safaricom. For almost two years, Collymore received treatment for acute myeloid leukemia in both the UK and Kenya.
He loved to interact with and assist people from all walks of life. He was compassionate and kind.
13. Papa Dennis
Early in February 2020, Gospel singer Papa Dennis passed away. Many people were shocked by his demise.
He was well-known in Kenya thanks to the success of his songs “Foundation” and “Makekes.”
His cause of death was debatable, and many people thought that he committed suicide.
14. Ken Walibora
Any Kenyan who has completed secondary school in Kenya will tell you about Ken Walibora. He was the best Swahili author from Kenya.
Innocence Long Lost and Siku Njema are two of the books he penned. Ken had been stabbed prior to being hit by a matatu in April 2020, according to the autopsy.
Before passing away from injuries, he was in Kenyatta Hospital’s emergency room for 18 hours.
15. Othuol Othuol
The late Churchill comedian died after a protracted battle with sickness. He had a brain tumor, which had been identified before his passing.
His passing was controversial because many Kenyans believed that his colleagues comedians failed to assist him. Jalang’o, Churchill, and others, however, stood up for themselves and demonstrated that they did the best they could. He was laid to rest at his country side.
16. Angela Chibalonza
Sadly, 15 years ago, Angela Chibalonza passed away, as a result of her vehicle colliding head-on with a trailer.
The renowned gospel singer perished in a horrifying traffic accident along the Nakuru–Nairobi Highway after a performance at Egerton University.
17. Chris Kantai
Chris Kantai, a pioneering rapper from Kenya, passed away in February 2019, according to Wanjiku Thuku.
Wanjiku claims that Kantai passed on, on February 27 in the early hours at Kasarani’s St. Francis Hospital.
18. Poxi Presha
2005 saw the premature death of Poxi Presha. He is well known for songs like Wape Really, Otonglo time, Dhako, Mummy, Jaluo Jeuri, and Lunchtime remix.
Poxi Presha will always be known for his boldness in defending the rights of Kenyan artists.
His motivation and a can-do attitude are just a couple of the traits that made him special.
19. Lady S
The fearless rapper, who passed away in September 2007, is known for her incredible work at Calif Records, where she collaborated with Clemmo to produce songs with Pili Pili.
She has been hailed as one of the best female rappers Kenya has ever produced.
Lady S entered the music industry at a time when there weren’t many women.
She fostered the development of many talents, and it’s possible that she is the force behind an influx of female talents in Kenya’s music industry.
20. Mwai Kibaki
Mwai Kibaki, the former President of Kenya, passed away at the age of 90, in 2022. Since independence, 40 years of one-party dominance were put to an end with his victory in 2002.
A great number of Kenyans experienced grief on his death and believe Mr. Kibaki was the best leader in Kenya, since independence.
He was an astute economist who put the nation on the route to economic growth. In the course of his decades-long political career, he held a number of high-ranking positions in the Treasury and the Government.
Rest in peace Legends.
