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A Year of National Loss: Prominent Kenyans Who Died in 2025

The year 2025 has been marked by profound loss as Kenya said goodbye to numerous influential personalities who shaped the nation’s political, legal, and media landscapes. From veteran politicians to distinguished jurists and celebrated journalists, the country has mourned the departure of figures whose legacies will endure for generations.

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Raila Odinga: The End of an Era

Perhaps no loss resonated more deeply across the nation than the passing of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who died on October 15 at age 80. The veteran opposition leader suffered cardiac arrest during his routine morning exercise in India, bringing to a close a remarkable political journey that spanned more than three decades.

Odinga’s influence on Kenya’s democratic evolution cannot be overstated. From championing the return of multi-party politics in the early 1990s to his instrumental role in establishing the 2010 Constitution, he remained at the forefront of Kenya’s political transformation. His death prompted President William Ruto to declare a week-long national mourning period, with a state funeral held before his burial at his ancestral home in Kang’o ka Jaramogi, Bondo, Siaya County.

Electoral Commission Chief Wafula Chebukati

The nation lost another significant figure when Wafula Chebukati, former chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, died on February 20 at 63. Medical reports indicated he succumbed to cardiac arrest complicated by a malignant brain tumor after a brief illness.

Chebukati presided over two consecutive general elections in 2017 and 2022, both of which proceeded relatively peacefully despite political disputes over the outcomes. His tenure represented a critical period in Kenya’s electoral history.

Media Icon Leonard Mambo Mbotela

The broadcasting industry mourned the February 7 death of Leonard Mambo Mbotela, who passed away at 85 following complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular issues. After approximately three weeks of medical care at a Nairobi facility, the legendary voice behind Kenya Broadcasting Corporation’s “Je, Huu Ni Ungwana?” succumbed to his ailments.

Mbotela’s distinctive vocal delivery and pioneering work in Kenyan journalism left an indelible mark on the country’s media heritage, influencing generations of broadcasters.

Political Violence Claims MP’s Life

Tragedy struck on April 30 when Kasipul Member of Parliament Charles Ong’ondo Were, 52, was assassinated along Ngong Road in Nairobi. Three assailants on a motorcycle fired multiple rounds, with five bullets striking Were and causing fatal damage to vital organs. Post-mortem findings confirmed death resulted from catastrophic blood loss and organ failure.

The constituency held a by-election on November 27, which saw Were’s eldest son, Boyd, elected to succeed his father.

Senate and Parliamentary Losses

Baringo Senator William Cheptumo died on February 16 while hospitalized in Nairobi. The 57-year-old attorney, serving his inaugural senate term after defeating prominent politician Gideon Moi in 2022, had previously represented Baringo North in Parliament from 2008 to 2013. Chemitei Kiprono Cheburet of the United Democratic Alliance won the subsequent by-election.

Just one day later, on February 17, Malava MP Malulu Injendi died at Aga Khan University Hospital after an extended stay in intensive care. The Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s Education and Research Committee was replaced by UDA’s David Ndakwa following November’s by-election.

More recently, Isiolo South MP Tibu Dibu Mohamed died on November 12 after a short illness. The first-term Jubilee Party legislator, who previously served as Isiolo County Assembly Speaker from 2013 to 2017, was active on the Environment and Public Petitions committees.

Legal Community Grieves

Senior advocate Kyalo Mbobu was killed on September 9 near the Lang’ata-Magadi road intersection while driving home. The former Political Parties Dispute Tribunal chairperson, renowned for his constitutional law expertise, was shot in what remains under investigation.

The judiciary suffered another blow on December 17 with the death of Supreme Court Justice Ibrahim Mohammed at Aga Khan Hospital following prolonged illness. Justice Mohammed had served on the apex court since June 2011 and participated in landmark rulings on the disputed 2013 and 2022 presidential election petitions. Islamic funeral rites were observed with his burial at Kariokor Muslim Cemetery on December 18.

Road Accident Claims Former Minister

On December 13, former Cabinet Minister and Lugari MP Cyrus Jirongo, 64, perished in a devastating collision on the Nairobi-Nakuru highway near Karai, Naivasha. His Mercedes vehicle collided with a 65-passenger bus in the fatal crash.

Jirongo served as Minister for Rural Development under President Daniel Moi’s administration in 2002 and represented Lugari Constituency across two separate terms. His most recent political venture was an unsuccessful 2022 gubernatorial campaign in Kakamega County.

Source: Kenyans