- The year 2025 has been a difficult year for Kenyans, with the deaths of several people, including former prime minister Raila Odinga
- Raila died on October 15 while receiving treatment in India, and was later given a state funeral
- TUKO.co.ke has paid tribute to seven fallen heroes, including gospel musician Betty Bayo, late journalist Nick Mudimba and Gracious Teiyan, to name a few
As the world prepares to welcome the new year in the next two weeks, TUKO.co.ke has paid tribute to the celebrities we lost in 2025.
Source: Instagram
Here is a list of Kenyan celebrities and celebrities who were mourned this year.
1. Raila Odinga
The former prime minister died on October 15 while undergoing treatment in India. Raila was with his daughter Winnie and his sister Ruth Odinga.
Rumors about Raila’s ill health had surfaced weeks before his death, and his family shut them down.
The politician’s family noted that he was in India to rest, but news of his death emerged.
The EALA Member of Parliament first called his father’s brother to inform him of Raila’s death before calling the President William Ruto.
Pictures of Winnie giving her mother a fedora hat after the team of envoys sent to India to collect Raila’s body arrived in Kenya broke people’s hearts on social media.
Winnie later went on the record about her father’s last moments and how he died in her arms. He asked Kenyans to be proud of the former politician.
He was officially buried, and the family buried the former prime minister in Kang’o Ka Jaramogi.
Ruto recounted how difficult it was to convince Winnie to meet the delegation in Mumbai. He also talked to his aunt Ruth to convince her.
Source: Twitter
2. Betty Bayo
Another death that affected the entertainment industry is that of a gospel musician Betty Bayo.
Bayo was one of the most loved gospel stars, and died while receiving treatment at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH).
The mother of two died of leukemia, and her friends revealed that they found out about the disease two weeks before her death.
Her ex-husband leaked their WhatsApp chat confirming that he was paying her children’s school fees.
Hiram Gitau, aka Tash, her ex-husband, promised to take care of Sky and Danny, the children she left behind.
Source: Facebook
3. BC Himself
Comedian KK himself died while receiving treatment. The news of his death left his fans devastated.
His family asked for help to bury him, and President William Ruto donated KSh 1 million for his family.
Her boyfriend wrote a touching message through his TikTok account, recalling the times they shared. She later shed tears when lighting her candles.
His mother broke down in tears as she broke her silence after her son’s death, revealing that he was the protector of the family.
Source: Facebook
5. Fredrick Parsayo
The late KBC journalist Fredrick Parsayo died at his home in Kiambu county in Kinoo.
Details about his death were not disclosed. He died just three years after graduating from the University of Nairobi.
Journalist Stephen Letoo mourned Parsayo as a dedicated journalist from the Maa community who was loved and appreciated.
He had a wife and a child. In an exclusive event with TUKO.co.ke, Parsayo’s colleague and former classmate Aladi Jellys mourned the writer with a touching message.
“We still remember Parsayo as a devoted colleague, and I still remember our days back at the University of Nairobi. He always had the desire to be a renowned journalist, and it is very sad that he will not be able to achieve that,” he said,
Source: Instagram
6. Nick Mudimba
Former KTN News anchor and CTGN journalist Nick Mudimba died on March 23.
He collapsed at his home in Syokimau, and his sister later revealed that she had planned to visit him for lunch.
His family revealed that he was sick and receiving treatment. Mudimba died after watching the match Harambee Stars.
The late journalist had encouraged Kenyans to watch the game on X, and his Twitter message surfaced hours after his death.
He left behind a daughter, Shanice Minoo and a pregnant widow, Winnie Chege, with their first child together.
Winnie wrote a touching letter honoring her husband, and promised to cherish their time together.
Source: Instagram
7. Gracious Teiyan
Popular Maa musician Gracious Teiyan died after being rushed to hospital in September.
He complained about having a migraine before he died.
Her death left Maa’s community devastated, with journalist Letoo revealing that she had invited her to her husband’s graduation.
Teiyan had a young son whom he loved and cherished, and the Kenyans asked his fiancee to take care of him.
Source: Facebook
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