The Kenyan media fraternity has been thrust into mourning in 2025, as a string of painful losses has left an undeniable void in newsrooms and living rooms alike.
From beloved veteran broadcasters to promising young reporters, the country has bid farewell to voices that informed, inspired, and shaped public discourse.
As grief grips colleagues, fans, and families, we pause to remember and celebrate the legacies of five journalists who made an indelible mark on Kenya’s media landscape.
1.Leonard Mambo Mbotela
The passing of Leonard Mambo Mbotela on February 7, 2025, marked the end of an era. At 85, Mbotela succumbed to complications from pneumonia and low blood pressure, as confirmed by his brother, Donald Mbotela.
Mbotela’s name is etched in Kenya’s broadcasting history. His iconic show Je, Huu Ni Ungwana? became a staple in homes across the nation, championing decency, patriotism, and civic responsibility. A trailblazer at Voice of Kenya (now KBC), his unique voice and storytelling style made him a revered national figure.
Beyond journalism, Mbotela was a proud member of the National Heroes Council, using his platform to promote national values and preserve Kenya’s rich history.
2. Fredrick Parsayo
Just two days before Mudimba’s passing, tragedy struck again. On March 21, 2025, Fredrick Parsayo, a budding journalist at KBC, was found dead at his home in Kinoo, Kikuyu Constituency. The cause of his death remains under investigation.
Parsayo, a University of Nairobi graduate who joined KBC in 2021, was already proving himself as a talented and committed storyteller. Colleagues praised his work ethic and creativity, and many saw in him the future of Kenyan journalism.
3.Nick Mudimba
The sudden passing of Nick Mudimba on March 23, 2025, shocked the nation. A seasoned sports journalist at CGTN Africa, Mudimba collapsed at his home in Syokimau, Machakos County, in the presence of his family. He had reportedly been managing high uric acid levels under medical supervision but suddenly convulsed and died before help could arrive.
Nick’s career spanned some of the country’s leading media houses, including KTN and Switch TV, where his flair for breaking down sports stories into compelling narratives made him a household name. His passion, precision, and charm brought sports journalism to life for thousands of viewers across Kenya.
4.Rasna Warah
On January 11, 2025, Kenya bid farewell to Rasna Warah, a veteran journalist and columnist who succumbed to cancer at the age of 63.
Known for her bold, thought-provoking op-eds, Rasna spent much of her career at Nation Media Group, where she challenged the status quo through her Daily Nation columns. Her sharp analysis also appeared in The East African, The Elephant, The Mail & Guardian, and The Guardian (UK).
Warah focused on critical issues including human rights, social justice, and urban development—earning widespread respect for her intellectual rigor and unflinching honesty.
5. Njoroge Mwaura
On February 24, 2025, the industry lost another veteran, Kamau Njoroge Mwaura, who passed away at age 74 following surgery.
Njoroge began his broadcasting journey at KBC before making a name for himself at KTN. He was instrumental in shaping Kenya’s modern television news style—combining authority with insight, particularly in political reporting. His commanding presence on screen and mentorship behind the scenes shaped the careers of many journalists who now carry forward his legacy.
A Nation in Mourning, A Legacy That Lives On
In just a few months, Kenya’s media industry has lost voices that cannot be replaced—but whose stories, principles, and passion will live on. As newsrooms mourn and the nation reflects, one truth remains: these journalists didn’t just report the news—they shaped the narrative of a generation.
May their legacies continue to inspire truth, courage, and storytelling excellence for years to come.
