Death is inevitable and its sting will forever hover around the living.
When it strikes, however, it robs of families loved ones, nations its people and the earth, its salt.
We honor the memories of these Kenyan comedians who passed away at the prime of their careers and lives.
Kenyan comedians who passed away at the prime of their careers and lives
1. Othuol Othuol
Othuol Othuol went to be with the lord on Sunday, October 11, at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Prior to his demise, he had been on treatment and had beaten TB, among other ailments.
His death shook the entire nation including people close to him such as his family, friends and colleagues.
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2. Papa Shirandula
Charles Bukeko was an all round creative who could act different roles ranging from comical to more serious ones.
Being a legend, his death on July 18, 2020, broke the hearts of many people who have been following the legend ever since his big break.
It was reported he succumbed to COVID-19.
His death left a very huge gap which will be hard to fill in years to come.
3. Emmanuel Makori alias AKA Ayeiya
Just like the two above, Ayeiya’s death was unexpected and hit many people very hard.
Ayeiya died in a road crash in 2017 while driving home to Rongai.
Another comedian named Paul Ogutu who was with him in the car on the fateful night survived but lived to fight depression.
The comedian died when his star had just shone on him and was taking Kenya by storm.
4. Anthony Njenga AKA Njenga Mswahili
The comedian managed to remain in the show and be great despite the many challenges she was facing that time.
However he went to rest on November 7, 2019.
The comedian’s body was found on a rail track in Dagoretti, under unclear circumstances.
Until his demise, he had complained of battling depression.
5. Nancy Nyambura alias Jastorina
The comedienne became big in a very short span of time but God took her when she had just started enjoying the fruits of her labour.
Nyambura’s tragic end came days after she was named the best lead actress in TV drama at the Kalasha Awards in 2014.
The actress succumbed to meningitis at Kenyatta National Hospital.
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6. Jamal Nassor alias Baba Junior
Jamal’s end was so sad that it left the whole country in chills.
The actor passed away on December 11, 2018, after he was stabbed by an alleged lover following an argument at a bar.
Jamal has featured in several local TV shows such as KTN’s Junior and NTV’s Auntie Boss.
7. Benson Wanjau alias Mzee Ojwang’
Born in 1937 in the then Nyeri district, Mzee Ojwang’ was undoubtedly one of the most recognizable faces in comedy and touted, by many, as Kenya’s grandfather of comedy.
The much-loved actor famed for his key roles in KBC’s Vioja Mahakamani and Vitimbi died in 2015 at the Kenyatta National Hospital due to complications from pneumonia.
Buried at Langata Cemetry, Ojwang left behind a widow, Augusta Wanjiru and two children, Patricia Njeri and Michael Karira, and two grandchildren.
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8. Fred Omondi
Fred, brother to popular comedian-cum-activist Eric Omondi, died in a road accident on Kangundo Road Saturday morning.
Police said the accident happened after a bodaboda carrying Fred was involved in a head-on collision with a speeding bus around 6 am.
9. Joseph Musyoki Kivindu alias Kasee
Joseph Musyoki Kivindu alias Kasee died from poison in 2020.
The young entertainer was found dead around Nginduri area in Kinoo, Kiambu County last week. He was buried at Itumunduni Village, Masinga Location, Matuu, Machakos.
May the souls of these talented Kenyan comedians continue resting in peace!
