The entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of former Tahidi High actor Bilal Wanjau.
In an update on Thursday, December 4, fellow actress Sandra Dacha said Wanjau died early in the morning after developing complications linked to diabetes.
"It is with profound sorrow that I announce the untimely passing on of my colleague Bilal Wanjau this early morning due to diabetes complications," she confirmed.
Dacha also paid tribute to the late actor, describing him as highly gifted and a significant figure in Kenya’s creative industry.
She highlighted the loss felt by the sector and announced that Wanjau will be laid to rest at his rural home on Friday, December 5.
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"Bilal was a great talented actor! We’ve lost one of the best in the industry. Burial date is set for Friday, December 5, at his rural home in Machakos. Kindly keep the family in your prayers. May God rest his soul in eternal peace," she added.
Wanjau’s passion for acting took root during his high school years, where he wrote and directed scripts as early as Form Three.
After completing high school, he transitioned to professional sets and quickly gained prominence through memorable NTV commercials such as Utahama Lini (2011) and Utahama Roundi Hii (2013), where he played the character Junior.
His growing popularity earned him roles on major television stations, including the role of a bursar on Citizen TV’s Tahidi High and appearances on KTN’s Gavana.
Wanjau later became widely known for his standout role as prison guard Kasoro Bin Kasoro in Jela 5 Star on Maisha Magic East, a performance that won him the Best Performance in a Comedy award at the 2017 Kalasha Awards.
He continued to expand his portfolio with roles in Showmax’s Pepeta (2022), 4Play as Michael, Lies That Bind, Sumu la Mapenzi, Bazenga, The Runaway where he played The Boss, Wimped as Phil Wachira, and Gamble of the Kid.
Wanjau also featured in national lottery campaigns and films such as Njoro wa Uba and Mjinga na Ushenzi.
Wanjaju's death comes months after Gengetone artist Kevin Mburu Kinyanjui, alias Shalkido, died while receiving treatment following a tragic road accident along Thika Road.
The artist, who was involved in a crash between Githurai and Carwash, just before Roysambu, succumbed to his injuries after being declared brain-dead at Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH).
The news of his passing was confirmed by comedian Oga Obinna, who had closely followed his condition since the accident.
According to reports, first responders who arrived at the scene shortly after the crash found Shalkido lying by the roadside with severe injuries.
They administered first aid before rushing him to KUTRRH, where he was later admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
The responders noted that the accident occurred in the early hours of the morning when the roads were relatively empty.
"There were no witnesses because it was boda boda riders who found him lying on the road. They stopped and called for rescue, who then dispatched us at about 4:42 am," a responder told the press.
