Less than two months into 2025, the nation has mourned the loss of several notable figures. Influential personalities from the media, politics, academia, human rights, and legal sectors have passed away, leaving a significant impact on national discourse, policy, and advocacy.
Below is a list of some of the notable personalities who have passed away in 2025:
Bethwel Ogot
Renowned Kenyan academician and historian Prof Bethwell Allan Ogot died on January 30, 2025.
Reports indicate that Ogot, who was 95 years old, died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Kisumu County.
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Ogoto is known and will be remembered for his contribution to the study of African history and for serving as a Chancellor at Moi University, among other roles.
President William Ruto mourned Ogot as a dedicated and selfless leader who served with great commitment and professionalism.
"Prof Ogot was a gentle and wise giant who supported and motivated his family to excel, making his home a unique constellation of great achievers. I join the nation in expressing condolences to Prof Ogot's family and friends. May the Almighty God favor you with grace and divine solace," Ruto said.
Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga eulogised Ogot as a national treasure.
"Because of his scholarly work, we have a deeper understanding of who we are as Kenyans, the road we have traveled, and the distance we still have to cover as a people. In his death, Kenya, and indeed the world, has lost a treasure who will be deeply missed. His legacy will, however, endure in the many works of history that he leaves behind," Odinga said.
Moses Mulomi
Former Busia Deputy Governor Moses Mulomi died on January 28, 2025.
Mulomi, who was also the 2022 gubernatorial candidate for Democratic Action Party Kenya (DAP-K) in the county, died following a short illness.
Confirming his death, former Busia Governor Sospeter Ojaamong disclosed that the deceased developed health complications while on his way to Nairobi.
"Mulomi was on his way to Nairobi, where he developed health complications in Nakuru. He was a great leader who devoted his life to the service of humanity. His unwavering loyalty and service are exemplary and self-evident," Ojaamong remarked.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah mourned Mulomi as a true leader who served with humility and dedication.
DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa mourned Mulomi as a resourceful person who touched many lives and left a mark on development and politics.
Judy Thongori
Renowned family lawyer and human rights activist Judy Thongori died on January 15, 2025.
In a statement on January 15, Law Society of Kenya (LSK) president Faith Odhiambo confirmed Thongori's passing and described her as a monument to legal prowess.
"This morning, the legal fraternity mourns the loss of a distinguished member and beacon of excellence. Judy Thongori SC has been a monument of legal prowess and exemplified all the qualities of a professional North Star.
President Ruto mourned Thongori, whose contribution to family law will forever be remembered. Chief Justice Martha Koome eulogised Thongori as one of Kenya's most distinguished legal practitioners.
Thongori started her legal profession at the Attorney General's office but later transitioned into private practice, where she focused on family law.
Over her 30-year career, she was acknowledged as an experienced litigator, advisor, and mediator in family law matters.
Thongori received numerous accolades, including being the first woman inducted into the Law Society of Kenya's Roll of Honour in 2013 for distinguished service in the legal profession.
In 2020, she was conferred the rank of Senior Counsel for her exemplary work.
Rasna Warah
Veteran journalist Rasna Warah died on January 11, 2025, after a long battle with cancer.
The 63-year-old was a prolific writer and journalist with over 20 years of experience as an editor and communications specialist.
She worked for the Nation Media Group (NMG), where she wrote a weekly op-ed column for the Daily Nation.
Rasna was also a remarkable contributor to several regional and international publications, including The East African, The Elephant, Kwani, The Mail and Guarding, the UK's Guardian, and Africa is a Country.
She also worked with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Rasna was an alumna of Malmö University in Sweden, where she got her Master's degree in Communication for Development, and Suffolk University in Boston, USA, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and Women's Studies.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura mourned Rasna as a great writer and journalist.
"Fare thee well, Rasna Warah, a great writer and journalist. Your book 'Missionaries, Mercenaries and Misfits' is an eye-opener that secures your writing and thinking. Your column on Daily Nation was always on point," Mwaura said.
Roseline Odede
Roseline Odede, the former Chairperson of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), died on January 3, 2025.
In a statement on Saturday, January 4, the commission stated that Odede passed away following a short illness.
"Her untimely death is a big blow to the Commission and the Nation at large. As a Commission, we had the privilege of serving with Roseline Odede as the Chairperson at the helm of the KNCHR's leadership," the statement read in part.
Odede held a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from the University of Nairobi and a Master of Laws (LL.M) from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In her professional career, she served as the Senior Managing Partner at Roseline Odede & Company Advocates, leading numerous cases, particularly focusing on issues related to gender rights and human rights.
Additionally, Odede served as the Chairperson of KNCHR, where she played a crucial role in promoting and protecting human rights in the country.
Odede has also contributed to the judiciary through her role on the Judges and Magistrates Vetting Board, where she participated in the vetting process of judges and magistrates.
