Kenyan Celebrities Who Died in 2024

2024 has been a year of profound loss, with the country bidding farewell to some of its most beloved celebrities and prominent figures.

From iconic leaders and politicians to groundbreaking figures in sports and entertainment, these stars left an indelible mark on their industries.

Here’s a look at the top celebrities we lost in 2024.

Kelvin Kiptum

The world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum and his coach Gervais Hakizimana died in a grisly road accident along the Eldoret-Kaptagat road in February 2024.

Kiptum died days after World Athletics ratified his marathon record of 2:00:35 set in Chicago in 2023.

He became the first athlete to break the 2:01 in a record-eligible marathon, taking 34 seconds off the world record at the Bank of America Chicago Marathon on 8 October.

Njambi Kokai

Renowned Kenyan media personality and reggae fanatic Mary Njambi Koikai, famously known as Jahmby Fyah Mummah passed away on June 4, following a long battle with endometriosis.

Njambi was an advocate of reggae music and Rasta culture and was fondly known to her fans as the Queen of reggae due to her passion for this genre of music.

She inspired many not only through her shows but also her strength and determination to fight endometriosis and was a vocal advocate for endometriosis awareness.

In 2018, she revealed that she suffered from thoracic endometriosis, a condition in which tissue that normally lines the inside uterus, the endometrium, grows outside the uterus.

Other Celebrities Who Died in 2024

Rita Tinina

The late NTV journalist Rita Tinina was found dead at her home in Kileleshwa, Nairobi, on March 17, 2024.

An alarm over her wellbeing was raised after she failed to report to work where she was scheduled to produce a news bulletin on NTV at 1PM.

Family spokesperson Timothy Njaga while speaking to the press on March 19, 2024, revealed that the autopsy confirmed that the late Tinina died of severe pneumonia.

Also Read: 7 Kenyan Athletes Who Died in Road Accidents

Tabitha Gatwiri

Popular content creator and actress Tabitha Gatwiri passed away in late October this year.

Tabitha Gatwiri died after a short illness. Further reports revealed that the actress was found dead inside her house by her brother.

Gatwiri, 29, was known for her comedy skits, which she used to share on various social media platforms and YouTube.

Her first skit to go viral was the one she was talking about her university boyfriend and his romantic language.

Winnie Bwire

Actress Winnie Bwire Ndubi, popularly known as ‘Dida’ in the Citizen TV series ‘Sultana’, passed away after a two-year battle with breast cancer. 

Winnie died on Thursday, September 5, 2024, in Turkey where she was undergoing treatment and had appealed for financial help to settle a Ksh5 million medical bill. 

“It is with heavy hearts and humble acceptance of God’s will that we announce Winfred Bwire Ndubi lost her battle with cancer on 5th September 2024 while undergoing treatment in Turkey.

“We thank you all for your overwhelming support, prayers, and generous giving during her treatment. We will share more details in due course. God bless you all,” her family stated.