Edward Kwach, 8 Other Kenyan Journalists Who've Died Within 4 Months in 2025

Edward Kwach, 8 Other Kenyan Journalists Who've Died Within 4 Months in 2025

  • Kenya's media industry is reeling from the loss of nine respected journalists in just four months of 2025
  • From iconic broadcasters like Leonard Mambo Mbotela to fearless columnists like Rasna Warah, each left a powerful legacy
  • TUKO.co.ke pays tribute to these fallen storytellers whose voices shaped the nation's narrative

In the first four months of 2025, Kenya's media fraternity has been plunged into mourning following the loss of nine esteemed journalists.

Deceased Kenyan journalists
From left to right: Edward Kwach, Nick Mudimba, and Lenard Mambo Mbotela. Photos: Spice FM/CGTN/KBC.
Source: Facebook

These individuals, each with unique contributions to the field, have left indelible marks on journalism in the country.

TUKO.co.ke highlights these personalities whose names will forever remain etched in the media history books.

Edward Kwach (April 28, 2025)

Edward Kwach was a veteran radio presenter known for his commanding voice and sharp wit.

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He hosted The Spice Drive on Spice FM, captivating audiences with his humour and deep knowledge of music.

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Kwach had an extensive career, working at Capital FM, Kiss FM, EA FM, Nation FM, Homeboyz Radio, and Urban Radio in Kisumu before joining Spice FM.

He was diagnosed with meningitis and had been receiving treatment before his passing.

Edward Kwach

Ben Ochieng Ogodo (April 17, 2025)

Ogodo was a renowned science journalist who worked for The Standard Media Group, CGTN, National Geographic, Nature Medicine, The Guardian (UK), and the British Medical Journal.

He was the Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Coordinator and Editor for SciDev.Net for over 12 years.

Ogodo also served on the Executive Board of the World Federation of Science Journalists.

His sudden death from chest complications shocked the media fraternity, as he had been actively engaging with friends online just hours before his passing

Ben Ochieng Ogodo

Silas Apollo (April 10, 2025)

Apollo was a multimedia journalist who worked for NTV and Daily Nation before joining The Nairobi Law Monthly.

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He tragically passed away after being hit by a speeding motorcycle while crossing Kiambu Road.

His reporting focused on parliamentary affairs, current events, and business, earning him a reputation for insightful journalism.

Silas Apollo

Fofona Bangali (March 28, 2025)

Bangali was a radio presenter at Radio Lake Victoria, known for his passion for Rhumba music and Lingala culture.

He was found dead in his home under unclear circumstances, prompting calls for an investigation.

His show was a favourite among listeners in Kisumu, and his dedication to promoting local music made him a beloved figure in the industry.

Fofona Bangali. Photo by DJ Numz.

Nick Mudimba (March 23, 2025)

Mudimba was a sports journalist who worked for CGTN Africa, KTN, and Radio Africa Group.

He passed away due to respiratory distress, just a day after being diagnosed with elevated uric acid levels.

The passionate media personality collapsed at home and died hours after watching a Harambee Stars match.

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Mudimba was known for his engaging sports coverage and his ability to bring energy to every broadcast.

Nick Mudimba

Fredrick Parsayo (March 21, 2025)

Parsayo was a reporter at the national broadcaster, KBC, where he covered national news and current affairs.

He was found dead at his home in Kinoo, with police launching investigations into the circumstances surrounding his passing.

His colleagues described him as a dedicated journalist who was passionate about storytelling.

Fredrick Parsayo

Njoroge Mwaura (February 24, 2025)

Mwaura was a veteran TV journalist who worked at KBC and KTN, co-anchoring news alongside another now-deceased legend, Catherine Kasavuli.

He was famous for his segment Njoroge’s Notebook, where he tackled social and political issues.

His passing followed complications from surgery, marking the end of a career that shaped Kenya’s television industry.

Njoroge Mwaura. Photo by KTN.

Leonard Mambo Mbotela (February 8, 2025)

Mbotela, known among peers as Majay, was a legendary broadcaster whose media career spanned over five decades.

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He was best known for his iconic show Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?, which aired on KBC radio and TV.

His voice was synonymous with broadcasting, and he played a pivotal role in shaping the industry.

Mbotela's passing at 84 years old marked the end of an era in Kenyan media.

Mbotela

Rasna Warah (January 11, 2025)

Warah was a journalist, author, and columnist who wrote for Daily Nation, The East African, The Guardian (UK), and The Elephant.

She was known for her bold opinions on political governance, human rights, and development.

Warah passed away at 63 years old after battling breast cancer since 2022.

Rasna Warah

The legacies left behind by the above individuals continue to inspire current and future media professionals committed to upholding impactful journalism.

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Authors:
Hillary Lisimba avatar

Hillary Lisimba (Human-Interest editor) Hillary Lisimba Ambani is a responsive journalist who creates content that touches lives. After graduating from the University of Nairobi’s School of Journalism, he worked in Print, Broadcast, and Online media. He is a published author, former KBC producer, and former Daily Nation columnist. He is currently a human-interest editor and philanthropist. Media Council of Kenya Member No: MCK019108. Share your Human Interest stories with him at hillary.lisimba@tuko.co.ke. or find him on Facebook.

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