Star funerals in 2025 that drew massive love from fans and fellow artistes
By William Muthama, December 29, 2025Several high-profile deaths in 2025 brought Kenyans together in grief, with fans, fellow artistes and the public turning up in large numbers both online and physically to honour influential figures in entertainment, social media and music.
From viral fundraisers to emotional send-offs, these funerals reflected the deep impact the departed had on their communities.
Betty Bayo’s goodbye
The Kenyan music industry was thrown into deep mourning following the death of celebrated gospel singer Betty Bayo, best remembered for her powerful song 11th Hour.
The artiste passed away after battling acute leukaemia and excessive bleeding, conditions that had significantly worsened in her final days.
Betty was initially admitted to a hospital along Kiambu Road as doctors worked to stabilise her condition. However, as her health deteriorated, she was transferred to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialised care.
Despite medical intervention, she succumbed at 1:03 pm on a Monday, November 10, 2025, leaving fans, fellow musicians and loved ones heartbroken.
Her burial was marked by emotional scenes as her green casket was lowered into a white-tiled grave in the presence of close family members and friends.
The sombre ceremony drew an outpouring of grief, prayers, and songs of worship, reflecting the deep spiritual impact she had on many through her music.
A large number of gospel artistes turned up to pay their last respects, underlining Betty Bayo’s influence within the gospel fraternity.
Among those present were Mr Seed, Lady Bee, Sarah K, and DJ Moh, alongside other gospel musicians, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, and fans who came to honour her life and ministry.
KK Mwenyewe remembered
Popular comedian and political satirist KK Mwenyewe, real name Zachariah Kariuki, died after a short illness and was pronounced dead at Kiambu Level 4 Hospital, according to fellow comedian and close friend Kafengo.
KK’s funeral drew a large crowd of content creators, comedians and fans who credited him with reshaping political satire on Kenyan social media.
Fellow creatives, including Kafengo and other comedians, attended the send-off, alongside Head of Presidential Special Projects and the Creative Economy, Dennis Itumbi, highlighting KK’s growing influence beyond comedy circles.
Shalkido’s tragic end
Gengetone and Mugithi artiste Shalkido Ga Cucu, born Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, died on Monday, October 6, 2025, following a hit-and-run motorcycle accident on Thika Road between Githurai and Roysambu.
The rising star suffered severe head injuries, internal bleeding and a broken leg. He was rushed to the hospital, declared brain-dead and later confirmed dead.
His funeral brought together fellow Gengetone artistes, musicians and fans who mourned a talent many believed was only just beginning to shine.
Regina Muthoni’s legacy
Veteran gospel musician Regina Muthoni, famed for worship songs such as Yesu Ulishinda, died on October 2, 2025, at her home in Githurai 44.
Her burial was attended by numerous gospel artistes and church leaders, who described her as a pillar of worship music in Kenya.
Fellow musicians, including gospel artistes and worship leaders, paid glowing tributes, noting her decades-long contribution to shaping gospel music and inspiring generations of believers.
Kimani Mbugua
Journalist Kimani Mbugua also drew widespread attention following his death. Kimani, who rose to fame for his witty on-screen presence, had been battling mental health challenges and substance abuse for several years.
He was undergoing rehabilitation and treatment in Mombasa, with many Kenyans on social media recently rallying behind him and calling for mental health awareness.
His burial drew journalists, media personalities and content creators, with figures such as Oga Obinna in attendance. His death reignited conversations around mental health, especially within the media and creative industries.