A Year of Mourning: Kenya’s Influential Figures Lost in 2025

Kenya marked the end of 2025 with the deaths of prominent figures from politics, literature, media, music, sport and civic life, each of whom played a significant role in shaping the country’s public discourse and institutions.

In October, the political landscape was deeply affected by the death of Raila Amolo Odinga, the former Prime Minister and long-time opposition leader, who died in India aged 80. Odinga was a central figure in Kenya’s struggle for multiparty democracy and served as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013. Over several decades, he remained a key force in national politics, with many tributes describing him as a leading architect of democratic reform.

The literary community mourned Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who died in May at the age of 87 in the United States. Renowned for his novels, plays and essays, Ngũgĩ was also known for his decision to write in Gĩkũyũ as a statement of cultural and linguistic self-determination. His work examined colonial history and post-independence inequality, while his advocacy for African languages influenced generations of writers and scholars.

Kenya’s media sector suffered notable losses during the year. Leonard Mambo Mbotela, a veteran broadcaster whose radio and television programmes were a fixture in many households, died in February. His work often focused on social values and public responsibility. In April, journalist Silas Apollo was killed in a road accident, ending a career associated with investigative reporting and public accountability.

Several deaths affected the creative arts, particularly among younger artists. Zakaria Kariuki, popularly known as KK Mwenyewe, died in July after a short illness. He was widely known for satirical online skits that commented on political and social issues.

In October, musician Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, known as Shalkido, died in a motorbike accident. He was an emerging figure in the gengetone and mugithi music scenes and had been expanding his musical style. The same month, gospel singer Regina Muthoni died suddenly, leaving behind a body of work centred on faith and perseverance.

Public institutions and civic spaces also recorded significant losses. Wafula Chebukati, the former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, died in February. He oversaw the 2017 and 2022 general elections and was the first IEBC chair to complete a full six-year term.

In June, teacher and blogger Albert Omondi Ojwang died while in police custody. His death led to demonstrations and renewed discussion about civil liberties and state accountability. In sport, Kenya lost one of its early athletics pioneers. Hezekiah “Munyoro” Nyamau, an Olympic gold medallist at the 1972 Munich Games, died in October. His success contributed to Kenya’s emergence as a global force in middle- and long-distance running.