Brian Chira, Queen Jane and other stars whose funerals drew massive love from fans
By Steve Ireri, November 22, 2025The passing of a beloved star often reminds us of the quiet ways in which their lives influenced us.
A comedian who made us laugh, a singer whose voice carried our joys and sorrows, or a media personality whose presence felt familiar in our daily lives leaves behind more than memories.
Their funerals become communal gatherings where the sorrow of loss mixes with the gratitude for the laughter, the music, and the stories they gave us.
Fans travel from far and wide to offer their respects, and artistes take moments to share the lessons learned from the life they celebrated.
These events become emotional chronicles of love, admiration, and remembrance, marking the profound impact that a single life can have on a nation.
For some icons, the legacy they left in their field has led to remarkable funerals, with throngs of fans and celebrities gathering to celebrate their lives.
Here is a list of some Kenyan icons whose burials drew an outpouring of love.
Brian Chira
Brian Chira, the TikToker who transcended social‑media fame to become a household name, died tragically on March 16, 2024, after a hit-and-run accident on the Ndenderu‑Ruaka road in Kiambu County.
His sudden death sent shockwaves across Kenya’s digital spaces, especially among young people who grew up watching his comedy‑style content and raw authenticity.
Within just 48 hours, a public fundraising campaign for his funeral raised more than Ksh5 million, a clear measure of how much his online community loved him.
His burial was held on March 26, 2024, in Githunguri, Kiambu County, at his grandmother’s home, in accordance with her wishes.
The decision to bury him in his grandmother’s place came despite reported disagreements within his extended family about his final resting place.
Before the service, his body was kept at the Kenyatta University mortuary, and the family held a viewing there.
The emotional weight of his funeral went beyond just his immediate circle.
Fans organised memorials, candle-lit tributes, and took to social media to share their grief and gratitude.
Chira’s story, of a young man who was open about his struggles, including his health and personal battles, resonated deeply.
Njambi “Fyah Mummah” Koikai
Reggae DJ and media personality Njambi Koikai, popularly known as Fyah Mummah (or Jahmby Koikai), passed away on 3 June 2024 after a long and courageous battle with endometriosis.
Her final farewell, held at Lang’ata Cemetery on 14 June 2024, drew hundreds of fans, reggae lovers, and fellow artists who came in large numbers to celebrate her life.
At the burial, emotions ran high.
According to K24 TV, there was a crowd so large that security struggled to maintain order as fans, many dressed in reggae-style attire, tried to catch a final glimpse of her coffin.
Some attendees danced, sang in tribute, and expressed deep gratitude for how she used her platform to raise awareness about women’s health and endometriosis, a condition she had publicly shared she battled for more than two decades.
Her death resonated beyond the music community. In a particularly tragic twist, her father died on the same day as her funeral, a heartbreaking addition to an already emotional ceremony.
Many supporters have remembered Fyah Mummah as fearless, authentic, and deeply loving, and her funeral remains a powerful reminder of how she broke silences, created space for difficult conversations, and left a legacy that was bigger than her music.
Achieng Abura
Achieng Abura’s death in October 2016 was deeply felt across Kenya’s music industry. A talented Afro-jazz and gospel artiste, Abura left behind a powerful discography and a reputation for being committed to meaningful, uplifting art.
Her funeral was a moment for fellow musicians and fans to reflect on her contribution as she had not only been a voice in music but also a mentor and a symbol of resilience.
Many in the industry continue to cite her as a source of inspiration, and her passing marked the end of an era in Kenyan fusion and gospel music.
Queen Jane (Jane Nyambura)
Queen Jane, born Jane Nyambura, was a leading figure in Kenyan benga music. She died on 29 June 2010 after a battle with meningitis.
Queen Jane was born in Kangema, Murang’a County. She started her musical career in 1984 as a backup vocalist for Mbiri Young Stars under the band leader Musaimo.
Queen Jane, who sang in kikuyu, was known for hits like ‘Arume Ni Nyamu’ and ‘Date Cia Maheni’, and her funeral drew an outpouring of love.
Her legacy as a benga icon has since lived on in the tributes from fans and fellow musicians who celebrated her work long after her passing.
Papa Shirandula (Charles Bukeko)
Papa Shirandula’s final farewell remains one of the most iconic celebrity funerals in Kenya.
Born Charles Bukeko, Papa passed away in July 2020, and his funeral was a deeply personal, yet public, occasion.
Fellow comedians, actors, and media personalities spoke openly about his kindness, mentorship, and the huge impact he had not just on the entertainment industry but in people’s daily lives.
Even with COVID‑19 restrictions limiting physical attendance, the tributes poured in both online and in his home town, reflecting how much he was loved, not just as Papa Shirandula, but as Charles Bukeko, a man who brought laughter and humanity to millions.