In 2024, the nation mourned the loss of icons, media personalities, and sportsmen whose contributions to their respective industries were immeasurable.
Nairobileo.co.ke takes a look at 7 prominent Kenyans who breathed their last in 2024.
Francis Ogolla
The former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) died on April 18, 2024, after being involved in a helicopter crash at the border of West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
Ogolla, who died alongside 9 other military officers, was on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region when the crash occurred.
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Ogolla was buried within 72 hours without a coffin and wrapped in a sheet as he had directed. During the burial in Ngi’ya Siaya County, Ogolla was accorded a 19-gun salute similar to the late former presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi.
Kelvin Kiptum
Marathon World record holder died on February 11, 2024, after being involved in a nasty road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road.
Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that the marathoner died due to severe head injuries. Oduor noted that Kiptum had severe fractures on his head and fractures on both the left and right ribs.
"Upon doing the postmortem, we found out that the late Kelvin had severe head injuries. There were severe skull fractures which were mainly at the base of the skull. The spinal cord had intruded into the cranial cavity because of the fractures,” said Oduor.
Kiptum was laid to rest on Friday, February 23, 2024, at his farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County, after a state burial that was attended by President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and IAAF president Sebastian Coe.
Jahmby Koikai
Media personality and reggae sensation Jahmby Koikai passed away on June 3, 2024, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital.
Koikai battled endometriosis for a long period of time during which she underwent several surgical procedures.
Jahmby was a household name in the country and hosted several reggae shows on radio stations, including Metro and Q FM. She was a panelist on The Trend show.
Her family was hit by a double tragedy after her father, Ambassador Daniel Koikai, was discovered dead in his house on the day Njambi was laid to rest at the Lang’ata cemetery.
Before his death, Ambassador Koikai had publicly asked his late daughter for forgiveness for his shortcomings as a father.
“The instances where I failed you in many ways to stand by you as you fought endometriosis, I regret immensely. It is too late for regrets. I can only live with the reality that I failed you when you needed me most, and I’m not proud of my behavior at all,” he stated.
Fred Omondi
The renowned comedian died after being involved in a road crash on Kagundo Road on June 15, 2024.
The police, in a report, said the accident occurred after a bodaboda carrying the comedian was involved in a head-on collision with a speeding bus.
Omondi succumbed to the injuries on the spot and was moved to Chiromo Mortuary.
An autopsy report indicated that Omondi’s skull was cracked and he sustained multiple fractures on the right side of his body.
He was buried on Saturday, June 29 at his home in Sega, Siaya County.
The burial was attended by entertainers and prominent people including Azimio leader Raila Odinga, Siaya Governor James Orengo, CS Opiyo Wandayi, Lang’at Mp Jalang'o, Peter Salasya, Babu Owino among others.
Rita Tinina
The late former NTV journalist was found dead at her home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on March 17, 2024.
She was discovered by her then-colleague at Nation Media Group, who went to look for her after she failed to report to work and was not answering phone calls.
A police report indicated that the deceased had a severe fever that lasted for five days and also suffered from epilepsy.
A post-mortem was conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa in the presence of Tinina’s family pathologist Dr. Michieka indicated that she succumbed due to severe pneumonia.
Tinina was laid to rest on 27 March 2024 at their family home in Noosupeni Farm, Narok County. She left behind her 8-year-old daughter, Mia Malaika.
June Moi
The daughter of former president Daniel Moi passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 60.
The death was announced by the Moi family, who however did not disclose the cause of June’s death.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing on of our beloved, June Chebet Moi this morning. At this time of grief, we request your prayers and privacy as we the family come to terms with the tragic loss of our sister," the family stated.
June was an adopted daughter of the late President Moi and was the youngest among his children. She was laid to rest on 18 April 2024 at the family's farm in Nakuru County.
Brian Chira
The renowned TikToker died on March 16, 2024, after being involved in a hit-and-run accident at Gacharage area along the Ndenderu-Ruaka road.
Chira was reported to have been drunk and was heading home when he was involved in the accident.
An autopsy report revealed that the controversial Tik Toker died after his heart, lungs, and kidney raptured.
His death brought together TikTokers, content creators, and Kenyans in general, who raised millions of shillings for Chira's funeral.
Chira was laid to rest on March 26, 2024, in Githunguri, Kiambu County.
