Octopizzo announces the passing of his manager, Ongaya Vick
Namba Nane rapper Henry Ohanga, alias Octopizzo, has announced the passing of his manager and close friend Ongaya Vick, widely known by his social media handle @cheekszone.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, October 19, 2025, Octopizzo revealed that Vick had been at the heart of his career since 2009 and hailed him as the creative force behind his brand.
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He added that Vick was the only person who had seen his potential when even he himself had doubts about his music career.
“It is with profound sorrow that I announce the passing of my manager and dear friend, Mr Ongaya Vick @cheekszone. He was the only person who saw potential in me when many not even myself thought this rap thing will work for us,” Octo wrote.
He shared that Vick’s guidance shaped not only his professional path but also his personal growth, acting as a confidant and like a big brother throughout their long association.
“Since 2009, he has been the creative force behind the Octopizzo brand, a visionary, mentor, and the backbone of my artistic journey,” the rapper added.
Octopizzo added that losing Vick feels like losing a part of himself.
He shared that his death had left him deeply heartbroken.
He added that he was mourning not just a manager but a trusted friend who had been instrumental in building the Octopizzo brand.
“His faith in me shaped not only my career but also the person I’ve become. Losing him feels like losing a part of myself. His loss leaves me deeply heartbroken, as I mourn not just a manager but a true confidant and big brother,” Octopizzo added.
The singer also revealed that friends and family were gathering at Vick’s residence in Woodley, Nairobi, as funeral arrangements were being made.
He also confirmed that plans are underway to lay him to rest at his home in Kakamega, in celebration of his life.
“Friends and family are currently gathering at his residence in Woodley for funeral arrangements, as we prepare to celebrate his remarkable life and lay him to rest at his home in Kakamega. May his soul rest in eternal peace,” the Namba Nane rapper wrote.
National mourning
The announcement comes on a day already marked by national mourning, as Kenya prepares to bury former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at the Kang’o Ka Jaramogi family mausoleum in Bondo, Siaya County.
Raila passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, in Kerala, India, at the age of 80 following a cardiac arrest.
His body was repatriated to Kenya on Thursday, October 16, and received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where overwhelming crowds forced security teams to revise the reception plans.
Public viewings initially planned at Parliament Buildings were relocated to Kasarani Stadium to accommodate thousands of mourners.
A state funeral took place at Nyayo Stadium on Friday, October 17, attended by heads of state, senior government officials, including President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and leaders of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
On Saturday, October 18, Raila’s remains were moved to Kisumu for further public viewing ahead of the burial.
Raila will be laid to rest beside both his father, the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, and their mother, Mama Mary Odinga, marking a symbolic reunion of Kenya’s most iconic political family.
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Steve Ireri
Steve is a senior writer with over four years of experience in digital journalism. His focus is on the showbiz and human interest stories. Emails: [email protected] , [email protected]
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