List of celebrities who died in 2025
By Cynthia Lodite, December 9, 2025The year 2025 has been a somber one for Kenya’s entertainment, sports, and public service scenes, as the nation mourned the loss of several iconic figures who shaped culture, inspired generations, and left indelible marks in their respective fields.
From celebrated authors and veteran politicians to rising stars in the digital world, these personalities not only brought pride to Kenya but also carried the hopes, dreams, and voices of many.
Betty Bayo
Betty, the renowned Busy Busy hitmaker, passed away after battling acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding, conditions that had worsened in her final days.
She was first admitted to AAR Hospital on Kiambu Road before being transferred to the Kenyatta National Hospital, where she succumbed at 1:03 pm on Monday.
Betty’s green casket was lowered into a grave plastered with white tiles in front of her family members and close friends on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at her home in Mugumo Estate.
Watch: Gospel industry mourns death of renowned singer Betty Bayo
Actor Bilal
The Kenyan film and theatre industry mourned the loss of actor Bilal Wanjau.
According to actress Sandra Dacha, who shared the news, Wanjau passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2025, while receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital due to diabetes-related complications.
Bilal Wanjau was laid to rest on Friday, December 5, 2025, in an emotional burial at his rural home in Machakos.
The ceremony, though attended by only a handful of mourners, was deeply moving, with close friends and colleagues visibly overcome with grief.
Photos shared by Nick Kwach on Instagram showed a small gathering of mourners standing on a dusty farm, quietly paying their respects.
Brian Chira
Controversial TikToker Brian Chira, who quickly rose to fame on TikTok, died in March 2025.
Police confirmed his demise noting that the deceased died after sustaining serious head injuries in a hit-and-run accident in Karuri area, Kiambu County.
At the time, the late TikToker Brian Chira’s funeral fundraiser raised Ksh5 million, 48 hours after it was launched.
The fundraiser being led by fellow TikToker Baba Talisha attracted various users who contributed to the course to accord the content creator a decent send-off.
He was buried at his family home in Gathanje, Ingitei village, Githunguri in Kiambu County.
Charles Ouda
Media personality Ciru Muriuki announced the death of legendary actor and her fiancé Charles Ouda in February of 2025.
Ciru Muriuki announced her fiancé’s died on the night of Saturday, February 3, 2024, in a joint statement with the actor’s family.
“It is with deep sorrow that the family of Charles ‘Charlie’ J. Ouda and Ciru Muriuki inform you of his passing on the night of 3rd February 2024. He was a beloved son, brother, and friend. Charlie was 38 years old,” the statement read.
Watch: A Legend Lost: Renown Kenyan actor, Charles Ouda, passes away
However, the statement did not reveal the cause of the actor’s death and promised to issue additional details about his death.
His legacy in Kenya’s creative space and entertainment world is rich and defined by his roles in some of Kenya’s popular TV shows in the past.
Leornand Mambo Mbotela
Veteran media personality Leonard Mambo Mbotela died aged 85. His daughter-in-law, Anne Mbotela, confirmed his death.
The veteran journalist had been unwell for some time, and he breathed his last in February 2025.
“It is true my father-in-law has passed on,” Anne said.
Watch: Broadcasting legend Leonard Mambo Mbotela laid to rest In Langata Cemetery
Mbotela was married to Alice Mwikali who together had three children: Aida Mbotela, Jimmy Mbotela and George Mbotela.
The legendary journalist was famed for his popular radio and TV programme dubbed Jee Huuu ni Ungwana which aired on KBC radio and TV.
The veteran journalist was born in Freetown, Mombasa in 1940 to James and Aida Mbotela. He was the firstborn in a family of eight children.
KK Mwenyewe
Popular Kenyan comedian and satirist KK Mwenyewe, best known for his viral impersonations of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, died after a short illness.
KK, real name Zachariah Kariuki, was pronounced dead at night at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital, according to a fellow comedian and frequent collaborator, Kafengo.
KK Mwenyewe shot to fame on social media around late 2022 for his witty, humorous takes on political satire, often mimicking Gachagua’s distinctive speaking style and mannerisms often with immaculate precision.
Also watch: Itumbi offers govt job to KK Mwenyewe’s ally Kafengo amid burial tension
Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Renowned Kenyan author, scholar, and activist Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o died aged 87 while residing in the United States of America.
His family announced his passing Wednesday evening, 28th May 2025, saying he “lived a full life, fought a good fight.”
Watch: Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o: A literary giant’s enduring legacy
A towering figure in African literature, Ngũgĩ’s influence stretched across continents, languages, and generations.
Known for novels such as A Grain of Wheat, Petals of Blood, and Devil on the Cross, Ngũgĩ championed the use of African languages in literature and resisted colonial and neocolonial systems of oppression throughout his life.
Born in 1938 in Kamiriithu, Limuru, Ngũgĩ’s work was deeply intertwined with Kenya’s struggle for independence and postcolonial identity.
As per his wish, his body was cremated in the United States of America.