Leonard Mambo and 8 other journalists who died in 2025
By Valerian Khakayi, December 27, 2025The Kenyan media industry mourned the loss of several prominent journalists who passed away in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, courage, and commitment to the profession.
Their work shaped public discourse, held leaders accountable, and inspired a new generation of media practitioners.
This year’s losses were felt deeply across newsrooms, radio stations, and online media platforms, as colleagues and audiences alike remembered the impactful stories and mentorship these journalists provided.
Many of them were celebrated not only for their journalistic skills but also for their unwavering integrity and contribution to the growth of journalism in Kenya.
Here are the media practitioners who died in 2025.
Rashid Idi
According to a report from the family, he passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Nairobi.
Rashid served as a journalist for more than twenty years.
Festus Amimo
The KCB Mayienga FM station manager passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, in Nairobi.
Amimo is remembered not only for his vibrant personality on air but also for the love and dedication he showed at home.
His sudden passing has left a void in the Kenyan media landscape and in the lives of his family and friends.
Edward Kwach
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son and brother, Carey, that occurred last night, 28th April 2025, while receiving treatment for meningitis,” the family’s statement reads.
“He will be remembered not only for his warmth and humour but also for his exceptional taste in music, which brought joy and comfort to so many. His passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him personally and the many more who connected with him through his work.”
Mambo Mbotela
Legendary broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela has passed on at the age of 85 years.
According to reports from his family, the legend passed away on Friday morning, February 7, 2025, while receiving treatment at a city hospital.
He left behind a wife, Alice, and three children: Aida, Jimmy, and George.
Mbotela gained fame for his iconic show ‘Jee Huu ni Ungwana TV? which addressed issues of social etiquette and manners.
He had a long and distinguished career in Kenyan media, earning admiration for his ability to connect with audiences across generations and has graced television screens in a career spanning more than five decades.
Nick Mudimba
Nicholas Mudimba, a respected journalist who lent his talents to several prominent media houses, including CGTN, KTN, Radio Africa Group and Switch TV, passed away on March 23, 2025.
Family sources said Mudimba had been found to have elevated uric acid levels just a day before his death and was placed on medication.
Fredrick Parsayo
Fredrick Parsayo, a journalist working with the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), was found dead on March 21, 2025, at his home in Kinoo, Kikuyu Constituency.
The circumstances of his death remain under investigation, and few details have been publicly released.
His passing represents a loss for the national broadcaster and the journalistic community.
Silas Apollo
Silas Apollo, a former journalist with the Nation Media Group, tragically died in a road accident on April 9, 2025.
Apollo was hit by a speeding motorcycle at night while attempting to cross the busy Kiambu Road on foot.
He was initially rushed to St. Teresa’s Hospital before being transferred to Kiambu Level 6 Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.
This sudden and unforeseen event cut short the life of a journalist who had previously contributed to one of Kenya’s leading news organisations.
Fofona Bangali
Fofona Bangali, a journalist based in Kisumu, was found dead in his house on March 28, 2025.
His death is currently the subject of a police investigation following concerns raised by his family.
According to reports, Bangali, who worked for Radio Lake Victoria, had not displayed any prior signs of illness, and his house was locked from the inside, requiring police intervention to gain entry.
Sammy Lui
The veteran broadcaster died on Thursday, October 23, 2025, at his home in Subukia, Nakuru County.
According to the reports, Lui was found dead while seated in his home, where he lived alone after relocating from Nairobi.
The loss of these journalists has cast a pall over the media landscape, as the media fraternity and the nation mourn the absence of voices silenced too soon.