According to data from the National Cancer Institute, there were 47,000 new cases of cancer reported in just the previous year, indicating an increase in the disease’s prevalence in the nation over the past few years.
The top five cancers in the nation are non-Hodgkins lymphoma, breast, cervical, prostate, and esophageal.
The disease has continued to take lives in the nation, primarily as a result of delayed diagnosis and presentation, which reduces the effectiveness of treatment.
Below is a list of some of prominent Kenyan personalities who have succumbed to the disease in the last few years:
Former Bomet governor Joyce Laboso:
Laboso died of cancer at the Nairobi Hospital in July 2019 aged 58 after spending months in the UK, Indian and local hospitals. Prior to becoming a governor in 2017, she had served as Sotik MP and deputy Speaker in the Eleventh Parliament.
Kibra MP Ken Okoth
Okoth told Kenyans that he was managing stage four colorectal cancer. He succumbed to the disease in July 2019 aged 41 and was serving his second term.
Former Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore
In October 2017, Collymore went to the UK to receive treatment for Acute Myeloid Leukemia and returned in July 2018 to resume duties. He died on July 1aged 61.
Renowned Kenyan actor Pete Openda
Openda died in June 2020 after a long battle with cancer. The actor, who worked with a number of production companies in Kenya, was known for his acting prowess in TV shows such as Changing Times, New Beginnings (South Africa and Nigeria) and Arnold & Bundi, among others.
Apart from acting and directing a number of plays, Openda was at some point a radio presenter at Kenya Broadcasting Services (KBC) where he hosted Jazz Hour show.
Athlete Monica Chirchir
Chirchir succumbed to Colon cancer in Kimalel, Baringo County in December 2021. The 23-year-old 2019 African Games 10,000m finalist had been battling the disease for a year and had stopped training. She represented Kenya at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, Morocco, finishing sixth in 10,000m in a time of 32:43.63
Former Mount Elgon Member of Parliament John Serut
Serut succumbed to cancer after a long illness in February 2022. He represented Mt Elgon for two terms; from 2002 to 2007 before he lost to Fred Kapondi in the subsequent election. The late MP was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in January 2020 and had been in and out of hospital.
Charlton Murithi
Muriithi, who was a former director of personnel at police headquarters died on August 2022 at the Kenyatta National Hospital where he had been admitted over cancer related complications. He was the director of Kenya National Focal Point on Illicit Small Arms and Light Weapons, which is under the Office of the President but being run by the police.
Former long-serving Kenya Seed Managing Director Nathaniel Tum
Tum succumbed in February 2022 after a long battle with Myeloma cancer that eventually led to cardiac arrest at the age of 73
Other prominent Kenyan personalities who have died from cancer in the past years.
Prof Wangari Maathai- Ovarian Cancer – 2011
Njenga Karume (Former minister and MP for Kiambaa)- Prostrate Cancer – 2011
Nderitu Gachagua (Former Nyeri Governor) -Pancreatic cancer (2017)
Janet Kanini (TV presenter) – lung cancer in March 2017
Francis Nyenze (Former Kitui West MP) – colon cancer – 2017
Grace Kipchoim (Former Baringo South MP) – Acute Colon Cancer. – 2018
Ben Oluoch (Former Migori Senator) Throat cancer- 2018
Jonathan Toroitich Moi – Pancreatic cancer- 2019
Jane Kiano (Former Maendeleo ya Wanawake Organization chairperson) – lung cancer – 2020
Catherine Kasavuli -Cervical Cancer – 2022
Bishop Allan Kiuna (JCC Founder) – 2024
Kenyan Actress Winnie Bwire “Dida” – 2024
