Editor's Review

Prominent journalists who died this year include Ben Ochieng Ogodo, Silas Apollo, Nick Mudimba, and Leonard Mambo Mbotela.

In 2025, Kenya's media industry bid farewell to several influential journalists whose voices helped shape national discourse and held power to account.

From veteran editors to brave reporters, these individuals played vital roles in informing the public and shaping the media landscape. Here is a look at some of the prominent journalists who passed away in 2025:

Ben Ochieng Ogodo

Veteran science journalist Ben Ochieng Ogodo passed away on April 17, 2025, after experiencing sudden chest pain at home and being rushed to Mama Lucy Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. 

Ogodo had an illustrious career, contributing to both local and international media outlets, including Standard Media Group, CGTN, and SciDev.Net, where he served as Sub-Saharan Africa Regional Editor. 

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He was also a key contributor to major publications such as National Geographic and The Guardian, and won the 2008 Reuters-IUCN Media Award. He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Media Studies from the University of Nairobi.

File image of Ochieng Ogodo.

Silas Apollo

Former NTV journalist Silas Apollo died on April 10, 2025, after reportedly being hit by a speeding vehicle in Nairobi. The exact location of the crash remains unclear, with reports suggesting either Valley Road or Kiambu Road. 

At the time of his death, Apollo was working with Nairobi Law Monthly. He began his career at Nation Media Group as an intern, later becoming a reporter, and worked there until 2022. 

Apollo was a Masinde Muliro University graduate and was well-regarded in the media industry.

File image of Silas Apolo.

Nick Mudimba

Former KTN journalist Nick Mudimba died on March 23, 2025, after collapsing at his home in Syokimau, Machakos County. 

Reports indicate that Mudimba had been struggling with health complications in the days leading up to his death and had been undergoing treatment.

A renowned journalist, Mudimba had worked at KTN, Switch TV, and CGTN. He was laid to rest on April 5, 2025.

File image of Nick Mudimba.

Fredrick Parsayo

Fredrick Parsayo, a reporter at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC), died on March 21, 2025, at his home in Kinoo, Kikuyu Constituency. 

KBC described Parsayo as a cherished member of the editorial department, whose passing left a deep void. Parsayo was laid to rest in Kilgoris, Narok County, on March 26.

File image of Fredrick Parsayo.

Njoroge Mwaura

Veteran journalist Njoroge Mwaura, who had previously anchored at KTN, died on February 24, 2025, following complications from a recent surgery. 

Mwaura was known for his articulate delivery and in-depth coverage of both local and global events. With a long career in journalism, he was widely respected for his expertise and contribution to the media industry.

File image of Njoroge Mwaura.

Leonard Mambo Mbotela

Veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela passed away on February 7, 2025, at the age of 85 in Nairobi. 

He is survived by his wife Alice and three children. Mbotela was best known for his iconic radio show Je, Huu Ni Uungwana?, which aired for over 50 years. He also coined the popular football phrase "Kadenge na mpira." 

File image of Leonard Mambo Mbotela.
Mbotela's career included news reading and sports commentary, with a significant moment during the 1982 coup attempt when he was forced to announce the overthrow of the government live on TV. 

He retired in 2022 after 58 years in the media and was buried on February 15 at Lang'ata Cemetery in Nairobi.