Google’s ‘Year in Search 2025’ has revealed what Kenyans cared about — and mourned — this year.
Beyond politics and sports, deaths dominated national searches, spanning legal luminaries, bloggers, global icons, and cultural figures.
As the country grappled with loss, millions flocked online seeking news, obituaries, and tributes. Below are the top death searches in Kenya in 2025, along with a brief look at who these people were — and why their passing set the internet alight.
Trending losses in 2025
1. Raila Odinga
The former Prime Minister remained a national figure even in death.
His passing triggered an outpouring of grief and reflection on his political legacy — making him the most searched death in Kenya this year.
(Date of death: 8 April 2025 – cardiac arrest )
2. Diogo Jota
The international football star’s death shocked fans globally — and Kenya was no exception. Football supporters across the country surged online searching for tributes, news, and analysis.
(Date of death: 3 July 2025 — car crash)
3. Charlie Kirk
The American political commentator’s death also resonated across continents, capturing the curiosity of many Kenyans interested in global politics and media.
(Date of death: 10 September 2025 — shooting)
4. Pope Francis
The spiritual leader’s death had a global ripple effect. For many Kenyan Christians and Catholics especially, his passing was deeply felt — and Google searches soared.
(Date of death: 21 April 2025 – cerebral stroke)
5. Wafula Chebukati
A towering figure in Kenya’s electoral landscape, Chebukati’s death triggered intense interest.
Kenyans turned to Google to revisit his role in shaping important national elections and his legacy in public service.
(Date of death: 20 February 2025 — cardiac arrest)
6. Albert Ojwang
Albert Ojwang — a teacher turned outspoken blogger — died in police custody.
An autopsy revealed injuries inconsistent with suicide, pointing instead to physical assault while in detention.
(Date of death: 8 June 2025 – tortured to death)
7. Kimani Mbugua
Far from a public figure of international fame, Kimani Mbugua was a journalist whose death still resonated enough to rank among the top searches — revealing how deeply some stories struck home.
(Date of death: 14 October 2025 – suicide)
8. Hulk Hogan
The legendary wrestling icon’s death drew global media attention — and Kenya followed. His fame in popular culture made him a trending topic even thousands of miles away.
(Date of death: 24 July 2025 – heart attack)
9. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o
The celebrated Kenyan author’s passing sent waves through literary communities and beyond.
Many turned to Google to revisit his works, reflect on his influence, and mourn the loss of a giant in African literature.
(Date of death: 28 May 2025 — health complications)
10. Kyalo Mbobu
The killing of prominent lawyer Mathew Kyalo Mbobu in a drive‑by shooting rocked the legal fraternity and ignited national outrage.
According to a post‑mortem, Mbobu was shot eight times at close range, turning his death into a symbol of violence against public figures in Kenya.
(Date of death: 9 September 2025 – shooting)
