Kelvin Kiptum and other popular Kenyans who’ve died in 2024
On February 12, Kenyans and the global athletics community were greeted with distressing news about the death of marathoner Kelvin Kiptum.
The tragic incident occurred in a road accident on the route linking Eldoret and Kaptagat towns.
The car driven by Kiptum ended up in a ditch, resulting in the fatalities of both Kiptum and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, a Rwandan national.
Fortunately, a woman who was also in the vehicle survived but suffered severe injuries.
She was promptly taken to the hospital for medical treatment.
Kiptum’s passing adds to the list of prominent Kenyan individuals who have passed away in 2024.
Below are some other notable Kenyans who have departed this year:
1: Actor Charles Ouda
The talented actor died at the age of 38.
News of his passing was first announced by fellow thespian Mkamzee Mwatela, alongside a statement from Ciru Muriuki and his immediate family.
The cause of his death remains unknown.
He is set to be cremated at Karikor Crematorium on February 15, 2024, his family has announced.
A fundraiser will be held at the All Saints Cathedral on February 13, 2024, from 5:30 pm.
The cortege will then depart from Chiromo Funeral Home for an overnight vigil at the family home on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
A church service will be held at All Saints Cathedral on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 10:00 am.
The Church service will be followed by the last rites at Kariokor for immediate family members.
The family announced his untimely death on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Ouda, renowned for his noteworthy contributions to diverse film projects such as Makutano Junction, The First Grader, and Count It Out, was not only a gifted actor but also a distinguished film director and scriptwriter.
Charlie has also starred in other television shows like The Know Zone Changing Times (KTN), Higher Learning, Changes, Mali (NTV), Second Family, Crime and Justice (Showmax) and Salem (Maisha Magic).
2: LGBTQ+ rights advocate, Jaffar Jackson
The former M-Net Idol and Kenyan stylist left this world on January 7, succumbing to complications arising from a stomach infection.
Jaffar’s family disclosed that he had been hospitalised recently, and despite efforts to raise funds for his medical treatment, the beloved entertainer could not overcome the health challenges he faced.
The shocking news came to light when actress Lydia Gitachu shared the heartbreaking update on social media.
“Jackson was suffering from a stomach infection. We found out he was hospitalised yesterday. I spoke to him and his uncle who raised money for the medication prescribed. Kuamkia this morning (January 7), Lydia Gitachu had posted about his demise after being contacted by a neighbour,” actress Nice Githinji updated Jaffar’s celebrity friends in a fundraising WhatsApp group.
He was laid to rest on January 18 at Langata Cemetery.
3: ‘Firirinda’ hitmaker Dick Munyonyi
Popular Mugiithi artist Dick Munyonyi breathed his last on January 6, after a prolonged battle with illness.
The veteran Mugithi singer came to the limelight in 2021 with his three-decade-old song Firirinda.
Dick Munyonyi’s musical journey began in 1971, and he reached a pinnacle in 1989 when he had the honor of performing at retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s wedding.
Unfortunately, his career took a downturn after the release of ‘Firirinda’ due to tuberculosis.
In a past interview, Munyonyi explained, “As time went by, I could not sing because my voice became hoarse, and I could not sing.”
Despite his health challenges, he continued to contribute to the music scene by playing the guitar during his son’s performances.
The resurgence of Munyonyi’s fame came in 2021 when ‘Firirinda’ went viral on TikTok, 35 years after its initial release.
In January 2023, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with stage one prostate cancer but remained optimistic about returning to the stage and entertaining his fans.
He was laid to rest on January, 13.
4: Former MP Amos Kimunya’s wife Lucy
Former Kipipiri Member of Parliament Amos Kimunya announced the death of his wife Lucy on January, 30.
The former National Assembly Majority Leader said in a Facebook post on Tuesday that Lucy passed on while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
5: Lizzie Wanyoike
Lizzie Wanyoike, a mentor and celebrated educationist, passed away on January 14, 2024, following a courageous battle with cancer.
During her burial, her family disclosed that her health struggles began in 2018.
She was laid to rest on January 23, 2024, at her late husband’s home in Murang’a County.
Lizzie Wanyoike passed on at the age of 73 years leaving behind three children and 12 grandchildren.
She was the founder of Nairobi Institute of Business Studies (NIBS) Technical College, Emory Hotel, and Lizzie Wanyoike Preparatory School among other businesses in the country.
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