In 2024, Kenya experienced the loss of several prominent figures, including media personalities, sports icons, and public servants, whose contributions were immeasurable.
Below are seven notable individuals who passed away during the year.
1. Francis Ogolla
Former Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Francis Ogolla died on April 18, 2024, in a helicopter crash near the West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet border.
Ogolla, along with nine other military officers, was on a peace mission in the troubled Rift Valley region when the crash occurred.
In accordance with his wishes, Ogolla was buried within 72 hours without a coffin and wrapped in a sheet. The burial in Ngi’ya, Siaya County, included a 19-gun salute, a rare honor accorded to the late presidents Mwai Kibaki and Daniel Moi.
2. Kelvin Kiptum
World record-holding marathoner Kelvin Kiptum passed away on February 11, 2024, following a road accident in the Kaptagat area along the Elgeyo Marakwet-Ravine Road.
Government Pathologist Johansen Oduor revealed that Kiptum succumbed to severe head injuries, including skull fractures and damaged ribs.
Kiptum was laid to rest on February 23, 2024, at his farm in Naiberi, Uasin Gishu County, during a state burial attended by President William Ruto, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and IAAF President Sebastian Coe.
3. Jahmby Koikai
Reggae enthusiast and media personality Jahmby Koikai died on June 3, 2024, while undergoing treatment at Nairobi Hospital. She had battled endometriosis for many years, undergoing numerous surgeries.
Jahmby was a household name, having hosted reggae shows on Metro FM and Q FM and been a panelist on The Trend.
Her passing coincided with her father, Ambassador Daniel Koikai’s death. Ambassador Koikai, who passed away on the day of her burial at Lang’ata Cemetery, had publicly apologized to his late daughter for his perceived shortcomings.
4. Fred Omondi
Renowned comedian Fred Omondi died on June 15, 2024, in a road accident on Kagundo Road.
According to police, Omondi was on a bodaboda involved in a head-on collision with a speeding bus. He succumbed to his injuries on the spot.
He was laid to rest on June 29, 2024, at his home in Sega, Siaya County. The burial was attended by entertainers and notable figures, including Raila Odinga and Siaya Governor James Orengo.
5. Rita Tinina
Former NTV journalist Rita Tinina was found dead at her Kileleshwa home on March 17, 2024.
She had been suffering from severe pneumonia and epilepsy, according to a post-mortem conducted by government pathologist Peter Ndegwa.
Tinina was laid to rest on March 27, 2024, at her family home in Noosupeni Farm, Narok County. She is survived by her 8-year-old daughter, Mia Malaika.
6. June Moi
June Chebet Moi, the youngest and adopted daughter of former President Daniel Moi, passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 60.
The Moi family, while announcing her death, requested privacy as they mourned their loss. She was laid to rest on April 18, 2024, at the Moi family farm in Nakuru County.
7. Brian Chira
Popular TikToker Brian Chira died on March 16, 2024, in a hit-and-run accident at Gacharage along the Ndenderu-Ruaka Road.
Chira, who was reportedly intoxicated, sustained injuries that caused his heart, lungs, and kidney to rupture, according to the autopsy report.
His funeral on March 26, 2024, in Githunguri, Kiambu County, drew support from TikTokers, content creators, and the public, who raised funds for his burial.
