Former KBC broadcaster and KTN news anchor Sammy Lui Wang’ondu has passed away.
The veteran journalist died on Thursday, October 23, morning, his son Chris Wang’ondu has confirmed.
According to a police Lui was found dead on a seat in his house, Subukia, Nakuru County.
“He was found dead, while on a chair, by a farmhand who was working on the farm,” said a police officer.
Neighbours said Lui had been unwell and was living alone near the Subukia Marian National Shrine, after relocating from Nairobi.
“He lived alone after shifting from the city. Some of his close relatives are in Kenya, while others live abroad,” said a neighbour
Sammy Lui once worked as the director of State functions. His voice powered through the reign of former and late President Daniel Moi, third President Mwai Kibaki, and a bit of the retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s regime.
Lui was known to many as a presidential MC whose voice had reverberated across many stadiums and functions in the country graced by the president.
His voice was soothing, carried an unmatched command of English, and was instantly recognizable.
Former State House MC Sammy Lui Dead
As one of Kenya’s pioneer journalists, Sammy began his media career at KBC, then known as the Voice of Kenya (VoK), before moving to KTN, and later joined the Office of the President as the Director of State Events.
Another fact few Kenyans were aware of is that he is the father of former Kenyan Big Brother housemate Nick Wang’ondu.
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When government excavators descended on the affluent Woodley Estate in November last year to demolish houses belonging to 43 residents following the expiry of a three-month notice, among those affected was the former broadcaster.
Lui had lived in the estate for over 50 years.
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Ruto Mourns Veteran Journalist
President William Ruto has led Kenyans in mourning the death of the veteran broadcaster, with many offering glowing tributes, describing him as a person who contributed significantly to the media industry.
Ruto described Sammy Lui as a dedicated public servant, a veteran broadcaster, and the respected State Master of Ceremonies.
“From his early days as one of Kenya’s pioneer journalists at the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation to his time at the Presidential Press Service, and later, as Director of State Events, his powerful voice was the familiar soundtrack to Kenyans,” the President said.
“His sterling career influenced many who followed in his footsteps, and his huge contribution to our media industry will not be forgotten.”
A Facebook user Raj Fadh wrote. “I remember him as the lead journalist in the Presidential Press Service (PPS) under the late retired President Moi.”
Kipyegoon Maritim added, “Really loved this guy — very fluent and eloquent. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”
“Very fluent and articulate MC of the President,” Kibet Leonard said.
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