Kenyan celebrities who died in 2024

By Peter Ochieng

The year 2024 is over, and before we dive so much into 2025, we look back at some Kenyan celebrities who died in the year that just ended.

1. Dick Munyonyi       

The veteran Mugithi singer known for his Firirinda hit song died in January, 2024.

He died while receiving treatment in a Kiambu hospital. He was suffering from cancer.

2. Charles Ouda

Actor Charles Ouda died in early February, aged 38. He was an actor, writer, director, TV host, voice-over artist and singer.

"Dear friends and family, it is with great sadness that we share the passing of Charles 'Charlie' J. Ouda on the night of February 3, 2024," his family said in a statement.

The cause of his death remained unclear.

Some of Charles' film and television credits include Makutano Junction, Discovery +254, MAD, Sienna's Choice and The First Grader.

3. Kelvin Kiptum

The World marathon record holder died on February 11, 2024 in what shocked the athletics world.  

He died in a road accident, alongside his coach Gervais Hakizimana near Kaptagat in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Police said that Kiptum lost control of his car and veered off the road, before entering a ditch.

Kitum died months after setting the world marathon record of 2:00:35 during the Chicago Marathon on October 08, 2023.

4. Rita Tinina

Veteran journalist Rita Tinina died in mid-March, 2024. Her body was discovered in her house in Kileleswa, Nairobi County.

She was working with NTV after making a comeback from KTN. Rita was epileptic and had a five-day-old severe fever, police said.

Her employer, Nation Media Group (NMG) eulogized her as a passionate and dedicated journalist.

“She served with great dedication and passion. Besides being an excellent worker, she was a friendly colleague who will be greatly missed. On behalf of the board, management, and staff of NMG, we wish to send our sincere condolences to Rita's family and friends. We will stand with you during this trying time.”

5. Brian Chira

The controversial content creator died in March, after a hit and run accident that occurred along the Ndenderu-Ruaka road.

He was reportedly going home after a night out at a popular joint in Gacharage, when the incident happened.

Chira had earlier been kicked out of the joint by security guards for causing disturbance, and boarded a motorcycle together with one Zeleck Momanyi.

Upon reaching the Gacharage roundabout, Chira asked the motorcycle rider to drop him home. He then alighted from the motorcycle, and allegedly ran towards the main road where he was hit by a canter.

6. Winnie Bwire Ndubi

Another actor on this list. Winnie Bwire Ndubi alias Dida, the Sultana actress died in September after battling cancer for a while. She died while receiving treatment out of the country.

7. Janet Wanja

Volleyball legend Janet Wanja died on December 27, 2024, after battling gallbladder cancer.

She died while receiving palliative care at her home in Nairobi, her family announced.

Wanja’s brother, Kevin Kimani, the veteran Mathare United midfielder announced her demise.

“The family of Janet Wanja would like to announce her passing on after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer. Our sincere and deepest gratitude goes out to Kenya Pipeline Company for walking the journey with us from the beginning, and tirelessly providing all she needed in terms of medical support.”